Sports

Cameroonian football crisis escalates as Eto’o-led FECAFOOT withholds training kit

Published

4 weeks ago

June 3, 2024

The crisis currently rocking Cameroonian football has continued to escalate after Samuel Eto’o, the President of Cameroon Football Association (Fecafoot), ordered that training kits for the Indomitable Lions be withheld.

The feud between the Eto’o-led Fecafoot emanated following the Cameroon Ministry of Sports’ appointment of Belgian coach Marc Brys, without the input of the federation.

In retaliation, Eto’o and Fecafoot moved against the ministry by withholding the training kits of the Lions during reception for some selected players at the Hilton Hotel in Yaounde on Sunday.

Reports have it that despite the ministry having already reserved rooms for the delegation, Fecafoot’s presence led to a dispute, ultimately requiring police intervention to diffuse the situation.

“In a further display of defiance, Fecafoot withheld the Indomitable Lions’ training equipment from the Ministry staff on Monday, leaving the players without official attire for their morning walk,” local media reports.

“The debacle cast uncertainty over the team’s preparations for upcoming matches against Cape Verde on June 7 and Angola on June 11 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

“Amidst the chaos, reports surfaced indicating that several Fecafoot members, including Idriss Carlos Kameni, Dr. Fotso Gwabap Patrick, and Dr. Tinkeu Nguimgou Narcisse, were integrated into the Ministry staff setup.

“Kameni purportedly assumed the role of assistant to goalkeeper coach Alioum Boukar, while the others were appointed as assistants to Dr. William Ngatchou and physical trainer Christophe Manouvrier, respectively.

“However, the appointments appeared to bypass deputy coaches Martin Ndtoungou Mpile and David Pagou, raising further questions about the power dynamics within the coaching setup.

“As the conflict between Fecafoot and Minsep persists, the Indomitable Lions find themselves caught in the crossfire, jeopardising their preparation and performance in crucial matches.

“As supporters and observers of Cameroonian football anxiously follow developments, it is imperative that swift measures are taken to resolve this crisis.

“The stability and reputation of Cameroonian football depend on it, as do the aspirations of players and fans to see their national team shine on the international stage.

“The situation underscores the need for resolution to ensure the stability and success of Cameroon’s national football programme.”

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Sports

Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay makes history at Tour de France

Published

2 hours ago

July 2, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Unheralded Eritrean cyclist, Biniam Girmay, on Monday, made history by becoming the first Black African rider to claim victory in a Tour de France stage.

Girmay crossed the finish line ahead of tour favourites, Fernando Gaviria and Arnaud De Lie, completing the stage in 5 hours, 26 minutes, 48 seconds.

Girmay won stage three of the 2024 Tour in Turin after a crash in the peloton, three kilometres from the finish, dashed Mark Cavendish’s hopes of becoming the Tour’s record-breaking stage winner for yet another day.

The 24-year-old Girmay who rides for the Intermarché-Wanty team, had already won a stage in the 2022 Giro d’Italia and of the Belgian classic Gent-Wevelgem, and took his first Tour success after sprinting ahead of Fernando Gaviria and Arnaud De Lie.

Speaking after the race, the Eritrean said:

“Ever since I started cycling, I’ve always been dreaming of the Tour. But to win in my second Tour, in a big bunch sprint, is unbelievable. It means a lot, personally for me, and for the continent.

“I remember my father really liked to watch the Tour every July. He always showed us the Tour de France on TV. One day, I asked him if it was possible to be part of the Tour, and he said: ‘Keep going and everything is possible.’

“Today, everybody will believe African riders can succeed in the World Tour. We must be proud, now we are really part of the big races, now it’s our moment, our time.”

Girmay’s victory came on the third day and the longest stage of this year’s race, spanning 230.8 kilometers (roughly 143 miles) between Piacenza and Turin.

Girmay had previously achieved a milestone in Italy two years ago by winning a stage at the Giro d’Italia, making him the first Black African to secure a victory in a Grand Tour, which includes the Giro, the Tour de France, and the Spanish Vuelta.

Sports

Samuel Eto’o threatens to sue CAF after match-fixing hearing

Published

23 hours ago

July 1, 2024

Isaac Dachen

President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto’o, has threatened to institute a lawsuit against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following a disciplinary hearing over match-fixing allegations against him.

The Cameroonian football legend announced the threat after he was invited for questioning over the allegations.

The ex-Barcelona, Chelsea and Inter Milan striker has been a subject of match-fixing allegations in his capacity as head of the FECAFOOT after he was accused of having orchestrated the promotion of a team owned by a close associate of his.

Apart from the match-fixing allegations, Eto’o is also accused of spreading false information, making threats, inciting violence and abusing power, in a scalding report sent to FIFA.

According to the report, Eto’o was charged by CAF over the alleged offences and on Wednesday, June 26th, he appeared before a disciplinary panel.

Though the outcome of the hearing are yet unknown as CAF is yet to publish an official statement, Eto’o says he is not satisfied with the process and will be seeking redress in court.

“I have mandated my lawyers to file a complaint against CAF and for responsibilities to be established,” Eto’o said while addressing journalists.

“It was too easy to tarnish everything I had built during these few years in the world of football. CAF launched a press release much too early. This is unacceptable behaviour.”