Marc Brys has been reinstated as the coach of Cameroon after Samuel Eto’o, the president of the country’s football federation (Fecafoot), issued an apology for a recent dispute that led to Brys being replaced just two days prior.

Fecafoot had appointed Martin Ndtoungou as interim coach of the Indomitable Lions on Tuesday night following a heated exchange between Eto’o and Brys during their initial meeting earlier that day.

Brys was initially appointed by Cameroon’s sports ministry in April, which prompted Fecafoot to express its “great astonishment” at the decision, claiming it was made unilaterally.

During a press conference on Thursday, Eto’o confirmed that the 62-year-old Brys would retain his position, with 2026 World Cup qualifiers looming in early June.

“I apologize because during our initial, unfortunate encounter, emotions were running high,” stated former Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea striker Eto’o. “The Cameroonian people are more important than us, and it is for them that we must work.”

Videos circulating on social media depicted a heated conversation between Eto’o and Brys at Fecafoot’s offices in Yaounde, culminating in Brys promptly leaving.

Eto’o, aged 43, has held the presidency of Fecafoot since December 2021 and was also seen engaged in a dispute with an official from the sports ministry.

Fecafoot cited “disrespectful comments” from Brys and “an outright refusal to collaborate” among the reasons for his replacement. However, it now appears that Brys will be responsible for selecting the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Cape Verde and Angola on 8th and 11th June respectively.

Eto’o concluded, “Your mission is not an easy one despite your qualities and experience, but you should know that you will have our support.”

Brys is now poised to lead Cameroon in his first international matches amidst the ongoing power struggle between Cameroon’s sports ministry and Fecafoot.

The Central Africans currently lead qualifying Group D with four points from two games, with the group winners securing a spot at the finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

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