By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The Cameroon Red Cross (CRC) and the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) have formalized a landmark partnership aimed at enhancing the protection and safety of athletes during competitive matches.
The official agreement was signed on April 8 in Yaoundé. Cécile Akame Mfoumou, President of the CRC, represented her institution, while Samuel Eto’o Fils, President of FECAFOOT, signed on behalf of the federation.
According to sources, the collaboration marks a significant step forward in ensuring that football players across the nation have access to professional medical and humanitarian support on the field.
During the ceremony, Cécile Akame Mfoumou stated that the agreement represents a profound commitment between the two organizations to safeguard footballers during their various sporting engagements. She highlighted that the partnership would streamline the operations of volunteers and introduce specialized care beyond traditional expectations.
“I would also like to say that this agreement will allow us to better organise ourselves in the exercise of the activities of the volunteers on the different stages. We will better organise ourselves. In addition to the classic first aid that will be administered, there will also be psychological first aid,” she explained.
The President of the CRC further stated that, true to its commitment, the Cameroonian Red Cross intends to respond to all requests from FECAFOOT under this agreement. It will make available its tools, instruments and resources to support the development of football, while strictly respecting the Fundamental Principles of the CRC. Cécile Mfoumou noted that there will be kinesiotherapy services available, ensuring that athletes are well-attended to by experts.
“By choosing us, you are selecting a leading partner, reliable and resolutely committed to serving life,” she stated. Cécile Mfoumou also took the opportunity to call upon other organizational leaders to follow the precedent set by FECAFOOT, urging them to trust the Red Cross for health coverage, disaster preparedness, and first aid training.
In his response, Samuel Eto’o Fils praised the partnership as the fulfillment of a long-standing promise to prioritize the welfare of players. He expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, describing it as a successful milestone for FECAFOOT administration.
“Today, we have scored another beautiful goal,” he said. “This marriage with the Cameroon Red Cross, whose reputation and references are well established, needs no further proof.”
He continued, “I think that for our young sisters and brothers, who may have doubts or a little fear of playing football, they will know that in our 10 regions, 58 departments, they will be covered to better practice football.”
