The long-running and well-documented standoff between the Samuel Eto’o–led Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) and Belgian coach Marc Brys has finally come to an end, though not without one last dramatic twist, after Brys was dismissed just days before the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The tournament kicks off on December 21 in Morocco, with Cameroon drawn in Group F alongside Gabon, Mozambique and reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire. FECAFOOT announced Brys’ dismissal in a strongly worded statement, accusing the former OH Leuven coach of subterfuge, unprofessional conduct and repeated breaches of his contractual obligations.
The decision follows Cameroon’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-0 defeat to DR Congo in the African leg of the intercontinental playoffs, a result that intensified pressure on the Belgian trainer. Brys was originally appointed by the Ministry of Sports in April 2024, a move that immediately triggered a public clash with FECAFOOT President Samuel Eto’o. That dispute led to Brys’ initial dismissal, but in a dramatic reversal two days later, he was reinstated after Eto’o publicly apologised.
In its latest statement, the federation cited “professional failure”, allegations of inciting players against FECAFOOT and deliberate attempts to evade mandatory press conferences as justification for his removal. The announcement effectively brings to a close months of tension between the coach and the football authorities.
Brys has been replaced by his assistant, David Pagou, a 56-year-old Cameroonian coach with experience at clubs such as PWD Bamenda and Coton Sport. Pagou enjoyed notable success with Bamenda, winning both the Cameroonian league title and the domestic cup.
Following his appointment, Pagou named a 28-man squad for the AFCON, leaving out several high-profile players, including first-choice goalkeeper André Onana and midfielder Franck Zambo Anguissa, a move that has already sparked debate among fans and pundits.
Cameroon now head into the continental showpiece amid administrative upheaval and major squad changes, with hopes that the on-field focus can prevail once the competition gets underway in Morocco.
