President Paul Biya has vowed to address the ongoing football crisis in Cameroon, promising decisive action.
In his traditional National Youth Day speech on February 10th, President Biya stated, “We will see to it,” adding that “the government and particularly the ministry in charge of sports have received clear instructions in that regard.”
The frustration among Cameroonians regarding the national football team’s coach, Rigobert Song, has intensified recently, with calls for his resignation.
This dissatisfaction stems from the indomitable Lions of Cameroon’s disappointing performance at the 2013 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
Biya acknowledged these concerns and expressed expectations for improved results, stating, “In our difficult context, the state is making enormous financial sacrifices in that connection and is therefore entitled to require better organisation and results.”
Debates on the perceived inability of Rigobert Song and Samuel Eto’o, the President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), to effectively manage Cameroon’s football have surged across social media platforms. Although Eto’o reportedly submitted his resignation last week, the FECAFOOT executive rejected his decision.
The significance of football to the people of Cameroon is not lost on President Biya. He acknowledged this sentiment, saying, “I am aware of the importance of football to you.”
The lingering question remains: Is Biya contemplating the removal of Song and Eto’o to appease the public, who have been demanding their resignations?
The Lions exited AFCON at the round 16 stage, managing only one victory against Gambia. But the most important question is whether Cameroon’s football has ever experienced a better outcome since the tragic death of Marc-Vivien Foé in 2003.
Renowned Cameroonian Bikutsi artist Lady Ponce expressed her support for Samuel Eto’o, shedding light on the challenges he has faced during his tenure. She remarked, “Since you joined the FECAFOOT, they have turned it into the presidency of the republic, as if you were the Cameroonian president, to solve their problems,” Lady Ponce said.
“My beloved brother, how I understand you. They love those who embezzle public funds. They despise young people like you who have earned their money with dignity,” she added.
The position of Eto’o is electable, and cannot be legally terminated by the president.
