By A.J.
Marc Brys has strongly rejected his removal from his role as head coach of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, insisting that he remains in charge under the authority of the Ministry of Sports.
His reaction comes amid a long-running and highly public feud with Samuel Eto’o, President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT). The feud eventually led to his sacking by the FA’s Emergency Committee on December 1.
The Belgian coach was appointed in April by the Ministry, a move that immediately sparked a power struggle within Cameroonian football.
Eto’o and FECAFOOT opposed the appointment from the outset, arguing that the federation, not the government, holds exclusive authority over technical decisions involving the national team.
Since then, tensions between both sides have grown into open hostility.
Responding soon after FECAFOOT announced his dismissal, Brys expressed deep frustration with what he described as a toxic and confrontational working environment.
“I have other ambitions than to constantly be on high alert. It’s too aggressive, too misleading. I’m tired of it. Too much negativity to be able to work properly,” he said.
According to Brys, Eto’o made his position untenable from the very first day. “Eto’o always tried to get rid of me as quickly as possible. From the very first minute, he insulted me and I reacted. I was too big a threat for him.”
FECAFOOT’s move to sack Marc Brys comes after months of disagreements over authority, staff appointments, player selections, and communication channels.
But Brys insists that the federation does not have the legal power to dismiss him. “My contract runs until September. It’s a contract with the Minister, and he did not dismiss me.”
Brys described his role with Cameroon as a major personal and professional challenge, one he embraced fully, despite the political turmoil surrounding it.
“Either you’re scared and you don’t want to commit to this fight, or you see it as a rewarding experience. Becoming Cameroon’s head coach was a challenge for me,” said Marc Brys.
He also accused certain actors of creating instability around the national team, ultimately damaging Cameroon’s footballing ambitions. “But all this mystery, this pressure and this sabotage that surely isn’t the intention.”
As the battle for control intensifies, FECAFOOT on one side, the Ministry on the other, the Indomitable Lions are once again plunged into a leadership crisis. For now, Marc Brys insists he remains the rightful head coach, setting the stage for what could be a major legal and administrative confrontation in the days ahead.
