May 29, (THEWILL)- Upsetting developments have unfolded in Cameroon as the country’s Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has sidelined newly-appointed Belgian coach, Marc Brys, replacing him with Martin Ndtoungou on an interim basis before crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers next month.
The decision comes after a heated confrontation between Brys and FECAFOOT President, Samuel Eto’o, on Tuesday, escalating tensions over Brys’ controversial appointment by the country’s Sports Ministry in April, against Eto’o’s wishes.
Tuesday’s catalyst occurred when several members of Brys’ support staff, also appointed by the Sports Ministry, were denied entry to FECAFOOT’s headquarters in Yaounde for a scheduled working session. Consequently, FECAFOOT convened an Emergency Committee meeting, where the decision to oust Brys was finalised.
This dramatic development could potentially set Eto’o on a collision course with the Sports Ministry, which has backed Brys’ appointment despite FECAFOOT’s opposition. Typically, Football Federations appoint and compensate their coaches, but in some countries, governments intervene, particularly when Federations face financial constraints.
Cameroon currently holds four points from their first two qualifiers and will host Cape Verde on June 8 before travelling to Angola three days later. Securing a top spot in one of the nine six-team groups is crucial, as only group winners automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
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