FECAFOOT headquarters: Eto’o explains delay in resumption of construction works.

FECAFOOT President, Samuel Eto’o Fils had promised at the close of last year that works at the project site which have been abandoned for years were going to resume in January 2023.

Three months into 2023, there is no sign of any activity at the site. Speaking to reporters this week in Odza, outskirts of the nation’s capital city, Eto’o said the works have been delayed a result of a legal tussle.

The former Indomitable Lions team captain, expressed his concerns and disappointment over the slow progress of the project. 

He explained to reporters that despite their will to resume works, the legal tussle between the between the former and current executives at the football governing body has been a hindrance to pursue construction works. 

He however expressed optimism that once the verdict is pronounced works will resume with lightning speed. 

Eto’o said: “We were planning to resume the work in January but for reasons out of our control that didn’t happen,”.

He added: “We are still waiting for the approval from the justice system. There are things that in our view were not properly done. So to us, it is preferable to get clearance from justice,” 

“We want to complete the project as soon as we are given the permission to,” Eto’o revealed. 

Works at the new FECAFOOT head office were initiated in 2014 but have been plagued with several setbacks and delays.

Upon completion the multi-million project will be a state-of-the-art facility that would serve as the administrative centre for Cameroonian football.

The delayed works at the new FECAFOOT headquarters have been a cause for concern among stakeholders and the public. 

The project's completion is crucial for the development of football in Cameroon, and urgent action is needed to ensure its timely delivery.

Renovated FECAFOOT technical centre, country’s new jewel 

While there are hope the new FECAFOOT headquarters will see the light of day, Eto’o has saluted the realisation of renovation works at the football governing body’s technical centre at Odza.

The football administrator on March 25 visited the structure which has been given a new facelift.

He lauded World football governing body, FIFA for their support in ensuring that the facility which will provide training and developmental opportunities, is completed. 

The FECAFOOT Technical Centre in Odza, Eto’o revealed started in 2010. It has also suffered from delays. 

Works at the Centre is fruit of the partnership between the country’s football federation and FIFA. 

The structure initially set up through the Goal III FIFA Project in Cameroon will be used by the various selections of the national teams and other clubs. 

“We have spent a lot of time. But we are satisfied. The players will be able to work in a conducive environment,” Eto’o said. 

He added that, “We have wasted a lot of time. It is time that our players start using the facility. The national teams and other clubs of our various championships who want to train comfortably.” 

The FECAFOOT Technical Centre comprises of a refectory, administrative building, electric room and toilet block, sentry box, building A, building B, and synthetic playground. 

It was constructed under the former President of FECAFOOT, Iya Mohamed and under the FIFA Goal project. 

Renovation works were re-launched by former FECAFOOT president Seidou Mbombo Njoya before current FA boss Samuel Eto’o stepped in to ensure that it is completely and put to use. 

Samuel Eto’o also used the opportunity to announce that other regions will also benefit from sporting infrastructure such as proximity stadiums