Sports tribunal suspends Cameroon’s appointment of Brys as manager

The appointment of Belgian Marc Brys as head coach of Cameroon’s national football team has been suspended by the country’s top sports tribunal, following a petition from an amateur football club. The controversy began when the sports ministry named Brys as manager of the Indomitable Lions without consulting the football federation (FECAFOOT), sparking a dispute between the two entities.

FECAFOOT asked its president Samuel Eto’o to propose a national coach and other management staff within 72 hours, leading to a standoff with the sports ministry. Eto’o retained Brys as head coach but named different assistants and staff members. An amateur club then took the matter to the Arbitration and Conciliation Chamber of the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee.

In a provisional ruling on Tuesday, the court suspended the FECAFOOT appointments while it fully examines the matter, giving concerned parties 24 hours to appeal. FECAFOOT has stated that it reserves the right to refer the decisions to FIFA, as they hinder the preparation process for upcoming sports events.

The president of the Cameroon Association of Amateur Football Clubs expressed concerns that Eto’o’s appointments could damage Cameroon’s image and disrupt preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Brys, who signed a contract as head coach in May, following the dismissal of Rigobert Song, did not have FECAFOOT present at the signing ceremony.

FIFA has strict rules against government interference in national federations and has previously banned countries for such actions. The sports ministry maintains that it has acted in accordance with national and international regulations. The situation remains tense as both sides navigate the complex web of football governance.