As the AFCON 2025 qualifiers get underway, Cameroon is experiencing a significant administrative clash that highlights the tensions between its football federation and the government. The arrival of players for the crucial matches has been marred by a series of logistical and bureaucratic issues showcasing a dramatic rift in the country’s sports administration.
The conflict between the two parties started wayback after the departure of their coach Rigobert Song. While the government named their own coach, FECAFOOT which is led by former captain and legend Samuel Eto’o also gave their choice. This led to two lists of call ups being announced during that international break but the rift was later settled as the government backed coach Marc Brys taking over.
The friction between the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) and the government became evident at Douala airport, where coordination efforts faltered. The federation had arranged for a coordinator to manage player arrivals, but the government’s own team, armed with a special military operation obstructed access. This resulted in confusion and a standoff as the two factions jostled for control over the arrival desk.
The conflict extended to accommodation arrangements further exacerbating the situation. FECAFOOT had reserved rooms at the La Falaise Hotel in Bonandjo Douala for the players while the Ministry of Sports had also booked the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé for the same squad. The result was a disarray of logistics as players were initially handled by ministry staff and then had to be relocated according to the conflicting arrangements.
According to Kick442.com, FECAFOOT coordinator Benoit Angbwa faced a frustrating ordeal at Douala airport, waiting for hours only to return empty-handed as the players were managed by ministry officials. Players like Zambo Anguissa, Frank Magri, Christopher Wooh, Simon Ngapandouetnbu and Brian Mbeumo were accommodated at the Best Western Hotel in Douala by the team manager appointed by the Ministry of Education and Sports while others including Vincent Aboubakar, André Onana, Didier Lamkel Ze and Carlos Baleba were at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé.
The venue for the upcoming match between Cameroon and Namibia has also become an issue. FECAFOOT prefers the Japoma Sports Complex in Douala as the match venue. However, the government has insisted on a Yaoundé location due to technical reasons, sparking further disagreement. Reports indicate that CAF has yet to officially confirm a change of venue from Garoua to Yaoundé despite infrastructure managers expressing concerns about hosting the match at the Roumde Adjacent Stadium in Garoua.
