Eto´o blamed for Cameroon boycott

The Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) has accused national team captain Samuel Eto’o of plotting to destabilise the governing body.

The claims come after the Cameroon team boycotted a friendly last month following the non-payment of bonuses after the Indomitable Lions won the LG Cup in Marrakech, Morocco.

Responding to a demand of explanation from the office of the Head of State, the Fecafoot said in a document made available to Xinhua on Wednesday that the Anzhi forward was the man responsible for the team’s boycott of the November 15 friendly against Algeria.

“Some points suggest that the botch up of the Algeria-Cameroon international friendly was premeditated and that the Indomitable Lions captain was manipulated to destabilise the federation and the ministry of sports,” the report said.

The FA also accused other team members – Makoun, Kameni and Enoh Eyong (vice-captain) – for inciting others to embark on the strike action. But Eto’o seems to be receiving the most blame.

“The refusal to accept the bonuses, which the sports ministry later made available in Marrakech, and the determination to persist in a position with extremely serious consequences, and the absence of Eto’o, who left for Barcelona, on permission, and his firm instructions on telephone to his team-mates, resulted in the eventual grave situation,” the document continued.

“Eto’o confided to some officials his resentment towards the minister of sport and the president of the Fecafoot for contacting the Prime Minister demanding to change the team’s captaincy.”

The cancellation of the Algeria-Cameroon friendly almost caused a diplomatic fallout between both countries after Cameroon officials intending to travel to Algiers to pacify the situation were denied visas.

The Algeria Football Federation has filed a complaint with FIFA against the Fecafoot, demanding damages of up to US$1million.