FECAFOOT Addresses Yaoundé Hilton Hotel Events: Official Press Release

Here are the key points from their statement:

Reorganization of Staff: Head Coach Marc BRYS held a meeting on June 2, 2024, at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé. During this meeting, he decided to reorganize the Administrative and Technical Staff, a move that falls under the authority of the Executive Committee.
Payment Issues: The chosen hotel unexpectedly declined the previously agreed-upon payment for accommodation facilities. The reasons behind this decision remain unknown to FECAFOOT.
Ministry of Sports Involvement: FECAFOOT observed that individuals present at the hotel were acting on behalf of the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education. This further complicated the situation.
Intimidation and Law Enforcement: The National Team and FECAFOOT staff faced intimidation from heavily mobilized law enforcement forces, disrupting the customary welcoming operations.
FECAFOOT’s Exclusion: In response to these circumstances, the FECAFOOT Emergency Committee convened and acknowledged FECAFOOT’s exclusion from preparations for the upcoming matches against Cape Verde and Angola. These matches are scheduled for June 8 and 11, 2024, respectively, in Yaoundé and Luanda.

The events of June 2, 2024, at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé underscore a deepening rift between FECAFOOT and the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education, with far-reaching implications for the national team's preparations and the integrity of Cameroon's football administration.

At the heart of the matter lies a struggle for control and legitimacy. FECAFOOT asserts its authority as the sole competent authority in matters pertaining to the national team's administrative and technical staff, highlighting the Executive Committee's role in appointing personnel. However, the reorganization efforts initiated by Head Coach Marc Brys, in apparent defiance of established protocols, reveal internal tensions and power struggles within the organization.

The refusal of the chosen hotel to accept payment for accommodation facilities, coupled with the presence of individuals acting at the behest of the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education, further complicates the situation. FECAFOOT perceives these developments as encroachments on its autonomy and a challenge to its legitimacy as the governing body for Cameroonian football.

Moreover, the reported intimidation by law enforcement forces during customary welcoming operations adds another layer of concern. The presence of heavily mobilized security personnel not only disrupts normal proceedings but also raises questions about the extent of state involvement in football affairs and the potential for undue influence on FECAFOOT's decision-making processes.

In response to these challenges, FECAFOOT's Emergency Committee has taken the drastic step of excluding itself from the preparations for the upcoming matches against Cape Verde and Angola. This decision, while a testament to FECAFOOT's commitment to upholding its principles and resisting external pressures, carries significant ramifications for the national team's performance and Cameroon's international standing in football.

Moving forward, reconciling the competing interests of FECAFOOT, the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education, and other stakeholders is imperative to ensure the smooth functioning of Cameroon's football administration. Constructive dialogue, transparency, and adherence to established procedures are essential in resolving disputes and rebuilding trust within the football community.

Ultimately, FECAFOOT's stand reflects broader challenges in sports governance, where issues of authority, autonomy, and accountability intersect with political interests and institutional rivalries. The path ahead requires concerted efforts to safeguard the integrity of football administration in Cameroon and uphold the spirit of fair play and professionalism on and off the field.