With his term as president of the Cameroon Football Association (FECAFOOT) set to expire in a year, Samuel Eto’o has remained coy on whether he will seek re-election.
In a recent interview with Radio France Internationale, the former Cameroonian international striker acknowledged the challenges he has faced during his tenure, which has been marked by public conflicts with national team coach Marc Brys and political figures like President Paul Biya.
“This year has been really difficult, but we persevered and are still moving forward,” Eto’o said. “I will discuss with my partners, those who trust me, and those who have been by my side to see if it’s worth continuing.”
Eto’o, who was elected FECAFOOT president in December 2021, has been a polarizing figure during his time in office. He has clashed with Brys over the national team’s management, and his relationships with government officials have also been strained at times.
Despite the difficulties, Eto’o expressed confidence in his ability to rebuild the national team, stating, “If you don’t mention Eto’o, we don’t even know where you come from… This means that, to some extent, I have achieved some success.”
As the 2024 FECAFOOT elections approach, Eto’o’s decision on whether to run for a second term will be closely watched by football fans and stakeholders in Cameroon. The former striker’s leadership and vision for the future of the sport in the country will be a key factor in determining his political future.