Bell Targets Eto’o and CAF in Blistering Football Critique

[PARIS, Dec 17 – Cameroon Concord] — Former Cameroon and Olympique de Marseille goalkeeper Joseph-Antoine Bell has delivered a blunt assessment of African football, accusing its governing bodies of weakness and submission to FIFA and European clubs, even as the continent gains global respect on the field.

Speaking on RFI as a guest of journalist Christophe Boisbouvier, Bell said Morocco enter the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations as clear favourites, combining top form with home advantage — a rare alignment in international football. “Playing at home can bring pressure,” he noted, “but when you are at the peak of your abilities, you manage that pressure better.”

Beyond Morocco, Bell cited Senegal, South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire as strong contenders, with Egypt and Tunisia slightly behind. Yet his most pointed remarks focused less on footballing quality and more on power dynamics.

According to Bell, Africa’s growing presence at the World Cup — now guaranteed at least nine slots — reflects decades of struggle for recognition. He recalled how the continent once had no representatives when the tournament hosted just 16 teams, later earning places through landmark performances such as Cameroon’s 1990 quarter-final run and Morocco’s historic semi-final appearance in 2022.

Still, Bell argued that respect remains incomplete. He sharply criticised the decision forcing African players to remain with European clubs until mid-December before joining their national teams for the CAN, unlike the longer release periods granted for other continental tournaments.

“The sacrifices are always made by Africans,” Bell said. “CAF bends to please FIFA, FIFA bends to please clubs, and Africa absorbs the damage. It’s the same logic everywhere — the weakest always pay.”

For Bell, the issue is institutional credibility. He said CAF lacks the authority to impose clear, consistent decisions, even on basic matters such as the scheduling of the Africa Cup of Nations. “Summer, winter, nobody knows anymore,” he said. “You don’t earn respect like that.”

The former goalkeeper also weighed in on turmoil within Cameroonian football, where tensions between the Sports Ministry and the football federation have resurfaced following the dismissal of Belgian coach Marc Brys. Bell dismissed the apparent truce between Sports Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi and FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o as fragile and ultimately harmful.

“In Africa, nine times out of ten, there is no federation without the state,” Bell warned. “When a federation says ‘leave us alone, we’ll manage,’ you can be sure problems will start at the first activity.”

He cautioned that withdrawing state support inevitably means fewer resources, instability for players, and long-term damage to the national team. “The players will not have peace,” he said, predicting that structural weaknesses will soon become visible.

Bell’s intervention cut through celebratory narratives around African football’s rise. His message was clear: progress on the pitch will remain incomplete unless Africa strengthens its institutions and stops accepting second-class treatment in global football governance.