Samuel Eto'o backtracks and REHIREs Marc Brys after row led to his sacking

Samuel Eto'o and the Cameroonian football federation Fecafoot have reinstated Belgian coach Marc Brys following a blow out row that led to his firing.

The BBC has reported the current president of Fecafoot, Samuel Eto'o, has released a statement saying, "I apologise because during our first unfortunate meeting, there was a lot of emotion," following the re-hiring of Brys.

Et'o continued by stating, "The Cameroonian people are more important than us, and it is for them that we must work."

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Despite some confusion over who will be in charge for Cameroon's upcoming World Cup qualifiers, it appears Brys will be behind the wheel, with Eto'o saying, "Your mission is not an easy one despite your qualities and experience, but you should know that you will have our support," while speaking about his country's upcoming matches.

The Eto'o and Brys clashes have caused furore in Cameroonian football, so why not have a read over the timeline of events that led to Eto'o first firing and then rehiring the respected Belgian coach.

Eto’o, currently serving as the president of the Cameroon football association (Fecafoot) has clashed with Belgian Marc Brys, who had been appointed without Eto’o’s permission, per Inside The Game.

Per Inside The Game, Brys was appointed coach of the national team behind Eto’o’s back by the country's president, Paul Biya.

Brys was appointed in April by the Cameroonian Minister of Sports, and so far has yet to take charge of a game as coach.

Fecafoot released a statement claiming Brys made “disrespectful comments” and that had an “outright refusal to collaborate,” presumably with the governing body.

Fecafoot had claimed Brys’ appointment was “illegal” in an earlier statement per Inside The Game, who suggest, despite the body’s supposed power, is often overruled by long-standing president Biya.

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According to the BBC, Eto’o had drawn up a list of his own candidates for the role before Brys was unveiled, whilst the former Barcelona striker wasn’t present.

Videos show Eto’o and Brys meeting at the Fecafoot offices in Yaounde on 28th May 2024, they show the two angrily exchanging words before the Belgian leaves.

Inside The Game has reported that Eto’o repeatedly shouted at Brys during their confrontation, with the ex-Chelsea man saying, “You have broken many things!” and “Don't talk to me like that, you sit down and we work, what is this mess… If you walk out that door, don't come back.”

Martin Ndtoungou was appointed as an interim manager, per the BBC. Ndtonungou previously coached the Cameroonian Olympic side at the 2008 games.

Cameroon is preparing for a series of World Cup qualifiers, kicking off with a visit from Cape Verde on June 8th. Perhaps the internal battles will not be the best preparation for the players…

Who do you think is to blame for the latest soap-opera-like situation in world football? Let us know in the comments!

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