2024-04-17 19:40:13
Soleil Nyassa, influential member of the Executive Committee of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) and president of the Mbam and Kim departmental league, has just been suspended for five long years. The governing body of Cameroonian football accuses him of serious financial embezzlement, casting a harsh light on the excesses within the institution, as exclusively revealed by 237online.com.
Ghost clubs to divert subsidies
At the heart of the scandal: the fraudulent declaration of fictitious clubs affiliated with the Mbam and Kim departmental league. According to the investigations of the approval and disciplinary commission, Soleil Nyassa would have inflated the number of teams, going from 4 to 8, with the sole aim of receiving larger subsidies from FECAFOOT.
Vipere SA, Mbam and Kim FC, Olympique FC and Option Pro Sport Étude… So many names which do not correspond to any reality on the ground. Empty shells, fabricated to embezzle money from Cameroonian football. A stratagem which would have allowed Soleil Nyassa and her accomplices to unduly pocket substantial sums.
Samuel Eto’o sort the grand balai
But that was without counting on the determination of Samuel Eto’o, the president of FECAFOOT, to clean up the body. Since his arrival at the head of the federation, the former captain of the Indomitable Lions has made the fight against corruption and abuses his top priority.
And in this fight, there is no quarter, even for those close to him. Because Soleil Nyassa, before being caught red-handed, was one of Eto’o’s allies. Early support, rewarded with a place on the Executive Committee. But for the president of FECAFOOT, the interest of Cameroonian football comes before friendships.
Heavy sanctions and a strong signal
The sanction is commensurate with the offense: 5 years of suspension from any football-related activity, accompanied by a fine of 500,000 FCFA. A heavy sentence, which sounds like a clap of thunder in the world of Cameroonian football.
Because beyond Soleil Nyassa, an entire system is targeted. By striking hard, FECAFOOT sends a clear message: the era of impunity is over. From now on, fraudsters and corrupters will be held accountable, regardless of their status or connections.
The noose tightens around Nyassa
But the troubles may only be beginning for Soleil Nyassa. Because according to our information, this affair of fictitious clubs is only the tip of the iceberg. The former member of the Executive Committee is also suspected of having leaked confidential information on the management of FECAFOOT.
Embarrassing revelations about Roger Milla’s contracts, the murky links between Samuel Eto’o and the company Luxury Plane… So many files which would have been revealed by Nyassa, arousing the ire of the president of the federation. One betrayal too many, which would have sealed the fate of the former ally who had become cumbersome.
But beyond the Nyassa case, the entire governance of Cameroonian football is in question. The cascading revelations about embezzlement and power struggles at the top of FECAFOOT cast a worrying shadow over the institution.
Misappropriation of subsidies, opaque contracts, settling of scores… The picture drawn up is not very rosy. And it raises many questions about the body’s capacity to fundamentally reform its practices and its culture.
Eto’o’s risky bet
For Samuel Eto’o, it’s a real baptism of fire. By tackling corruption head-on, by daring to sanction one of his close friends, he is taking a major political risk. That of alienating part of the system, of arousing resentment and desires for revenge.
But it is also the price to pay to restore the credibility of FECAFOOT and restore Cameroonian football to its letters of nobility. An immense task, which will require unfailing determination and unfailing integrity from the new president.
Does the Soleil Nyassa affair mark the start of a new era for Cameroonian football? Time will tell. But one thing is certain: by daring to break the silence and punish abuses, Samuel Eto’o has sent a strong signal. That of a FECAFOOT determined to break with old practices to write a new page in its history. A page of transparency, integrity and passion for the beautiful game. The road will be long and strewn with pitfalls, but the first step has been taken. And it is already a victory for all football lovers in Cameroon.