FIFA Ratifies Marc Brys as New Head Coach of Cameroon National Football Team

FIFA has officially settled the appointment of Belgian Marc Brys as the new head coach of the Cameroon national football team, known as the Indomitable Lions. The 61-year-old Brys signed his contract approximately two weeks ago, following a specific choice made by the Cameroon Ministry of Sports and Physical Education. "FIFA has ratified the appointment of Belgian Marc Brys as the new head coach of the Cameroon national football team, the Indomitable Lions," the information on FIFA's website confirms.

The decision marks the end of a controversy between Samuel Eto'o, the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), and the Cameroonian Ministry of Sports over the coaching choice. Eto'o had vehemently opposed Brys' appointment and even threatened to resign as FECAFOOT president. FIFA's confirmation is seen as a rebuke to Eto'o's stance.

Brys officially signed a two-and-a-half-year contract on Monday at the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education, supervised by Minister Professor Narcisse Mouelle Kombi. The national team's key members now include assistant coach Joachim Mununga, first assistant coach Omam Biyik, second assistant coach Ashu Cyprain Bessong, and other staff. "The minister emphasized the importance of ensuring a competent and effective team to guide the Indomitable Lions to victory, following their dismal performance in the most recent AFCON," according to sources present at the signing ceremony.

However, the appointment has not been without controversy. FECAFOOT contested Brys' selection, claiming it was not consulted beforehand. The federation cites a 2014 presidential decree that gives it the sole power to appoint coaches for national teams. Despite this, the federation has a low chance of overturning the appointment made by the sports ministry.

Why this matters: The power struggle between Brys and Eto'o could have harmful consequences for Cameroonian football, creating instability and tensions among involved parties. The controversy highlights the complexities surrounding the coaching arrangements of the national team, with both FIFA and Cameroonian authorities under scrutiny as a resolution is awaited.

As a new appointee approved by the government, Brys will face his first test in June when Cameroon faces Cape Verde and Angola in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The Belgian coach's debut performance will be closely watched, as he aims to guide the Indomitable Lions to improved results following their disappointing showing at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The different involved parties in Cameroonian football are expected to come together and find a compromise for the good of the national team and the sport as a whole.

Key Takeaways

• FIFA officially appointed Belgian Marc Brys as Cameroon's national team coach.
• The appointment was opposed by FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto'o, who threatened to resign.
• Brys signed a 2.5-year contract, with a team of assistant coaches.
• FECAFOOT contested the appointment, citing a 2014 decree giving it sole power.
• Brys faces his first test in June for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.