In a rare and exclusive interview with RFI , Samuel Eto’o, President of the Cameroonian Football Federation, strikes a conciliatory tone after a period of tension with the nation’s Minister of Sports. While seemingly extending an olive branch, the former global football star remains ambitious, hinting at a potential second term at the helm of Fecafoot and setting his sights on a seat within the CAF Executive Committee. As the Africa Cup of Nations approaches, Eto’o discusses Cameroon’s readiness to host, the challenges of the pandemic, security concerns in the region, and his hopes for the Indomitable Lions, all while subtly highlighting his enduring influence in African football.
This interview marks his first time in public to speak since his conflict with the minister, choosing RFI as the platform. Christophe Boisbouvier (RFI): Thank you for having RFI. It’s been three years since you became president of Fecafoot, the Cameroonian Football Federation.
But since last April, you have lost administrative and financial control of the Indomitable Lions national team to the Cameroonian Minister of Sports. Isn’t this a big blow? Don’t you feel like giving up? Samuel Eto’o: It’s always a pleasure to have you, Christophe. There have been challenges.
I prefer to call them that. And we haven’t lost anything because the Federation’s job is administrative. People seem to forget it when they want to, but it’s good to put things in context.
The Federation is recogn.