By Etienne Mainimo mengnjo
Samuel Eto’o has been re-elected President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) for a new four-year term on Friday, Nov. 29.
The election took place during the General Assembly held at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Centre of Excellence in Mbankomo, with representatives from both FIFA and CAF in attendance to oversee the process.
Running unopposed, Eto’o achieved a near-unanimous victory, receiving votes from 85 out of 87 delegates, with two votes deemed invalid.
This overwhelming support equates to a remarkable approval rating of 97.7 percent, extending his mandate until 2029. Eto’o, the country’s all-time leading scorer, first took office in 2021.
Looking ahead, Eto’o’s next term will revolve around four primary objectives. He aims not only to restore values within the national team but also to enhance the Lion brand’s appeal, boost the competitiveness of local leagues, and reinforce the autonomy of FECAFOOT.
Observers note that Eto’o’s initial election in 2021 represented a pivotal change in the administration of Cameroonian football, succeeding Seidou Mbombo Njoya after garnering 43 out of 74 votes.
His re-election comes after a first term marked by considerable scrutiny, characterized by both internal challenges and external criticism. Supporters argue that he has revitalized elements of domestic football, while detractors have described his tenure as “catastrophic.”
Notable criticisms include ongoing public disputes between the federation and the Ministry of Sports, as well as the resignations of several close allies within FECAFOOT.
A four-time African Player of the Year, Eto’o stands as the all-time leading scorer for the Cameroon national team and is recognized as one of the most accomplished players in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations.
