Cameroon’s Appointment of Brys Suspended by Sports Tribunal

As a result of a petition from an amateur football club, the country’s top sports tribunal in Cameroon has halted the appointment of Belgian Marc Brys (61) as head coach. 

The sports ministry’s unilateral appointment of Brys without consulting the football federation (FECAFOOT) led to a dispute between the ministry and FECAFOOT, prompting FECAFOOT to request President Samuel Eto’o to propose a national coach and staff within 72 hours.

While Eto’o retained Brys as head coach, the appointment of other staff members was altered. An amateur club challenged the appointments, leading to the tribunal’s provisional ruling to suspend FECAFOOT’s decisions pending further examination.

FECAFOOT has indicated it may escalate the matter to FIFA, citing interference with preparation for upcoming sporting events. FIFA regulations strictly prohibit government interference in national federations.

Balla Ongolo Henri, president of the Cameroon Association of Amateur Football Clubs, expressed concern that the disputed appointments could tarnish Cameroon’s image and disrupt preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Brys signed his contract as head coach on May 8th, following the dismissal of Rigobert Song in February. FECAFOOT was absent from the signing ceremony, while the sports ministry maintains its actions were in accordance with national and international regulations.