Marc Brys: "I am not the enemy of the Fécafoot"

Following his latest incendiary interview with Belgian outlet DH, in which he aired more home truths about Fécafoot president Samuel Eto’o, Marc Brys, head coach of the Cameroon national team, has responded to a request for an explanation from the governing body's Secretary General. In his reply, Brys sets out his position amid growing tensions between his staff and the federation's leadership, and highlights the difficulties he has faced since taking charge of Cameroon.

In his letter, Marc Brys recalls a statement made by Samuel Eto’o in 2019 on the need for Cameroon to have coaches capable of showing independence and rigour: "Very often in Cameroon, they want yes-man coaches. You can't do that. If you want change, you need coaches who tell you: no". He stresses that his criticism of the Fécafoot is not driven by a desire for conflict, but by a wish to defend principles of transparency and efficiency in the running of the national team. "So I am not a yes-man coach", he made clear from the outset.

Brys: "I have experienced the greatest frustrations of my coaching career"

The coach expresses surprise at receiving the request for an explanation, saying he had expected instead concrete proposals to improve the team's working conditions, such as the organisation of upcoming fixtures and the publication of player call-ups. Brys laments the Fécafoot's lack of support in the face of the verbal and physical aggression he has suffered so far, as well as questionable administrative decisions that have affected the team's latest preparations.

He cites specific incidents, such as the confiscation of equipment and the intervention of certain Fécafoot employees in his dressing rooms. He also criticises the Fécafoot's decision not to accredit his assistants for a crucial match against Angola (1-1) and the "threatening letters" sent to players, with copies to their clubs. "The aim was clearly to demoralise them", he says. And he adds: "I have experienced the greatest frustrations of my coaching career".

Marc Brys insists: "I am not the enemy of the Fécafoot", while reminding them: "I have a contract with the State of Cameroon". The coach says he wants to be judged solely on results. He laments: "you always have a martial tone, a threatening tone, never a polite and respectful tone towards your collaborators and the players". He calls on the Fécafoot and its officials to work together on the basis of respect and courtesy, hoping past tensions can be put aside so that everyone can focus on the targets ahead, notably the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup.

Arthur Wandji