Tensions between Cameroon’s football governing body and the Ministry of Sports have plunged the Indomitable Lions into crisis, with dismal performances on the pitch mirroring an ongoing power struggle behind the scenes.
At the heart of the conflict lies a dispute between the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), led by legendary striker Samuel Eto’o, and the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education (Minsep).
The battle for control has not only fractured the team’s leadership but also derailed Cameroon’s momentum in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Journalist Charles Douglas Ndemba voiced the frustration felt by many observers of Cameroonian football. “When FECAFOOT was in charge, the Lions were top of the qualifying group. Since MINSEP took over, it’s been a disaster.”
Under Fecafoot’s management, the national team had shown consistency, unity, and clear tactical identity. But following Minsep’s increased involvement—including appointing a parallel technical staff and exerting direct control over decisions—results have sharply declined.
The growing tension has bred confusion, poor communication, and a toxic atmosphere around the squad. What began as a bureaucratic dispute has evolved into a power struggle that has cast a shadow over the team’s ambitions.
Fecafoot, backed by FIFA statutes, asserts its exclusive right to manage football affairs. Minsep, in turn, claims its supervisory role over all national teams. This overlapping authority has sparked a clash of legitimacy, with both institutions refusing to yield.
“The field never lies,” Ndemba lamented. “The results reflect administrative chaos.”
Caught in the middle are the players, whose morale and performance have suffered. Coaching changes, a lack of direction, and blurred lines of authority have stripped the team of its once-famed unity and resilience.
Calls are growing for mediation—possibly involving FIFA—to broker a solution and restore harmony. As Cameroon chases its place on football’s biggest stage, many fear that without urgent reconciliation, the Lions may be roaring into an empty void.
About The Author
