Eto recently apologized after a heated exchange with the newly appointed national team coach, Marc Brys. The confrontation occurred during their first meeting and quickly escalated, reflecting the ongoing power struggle between FECAFOOT and the Ministry of Sports.

The altercation stemmed from the Sports Ministry's unilateral decision to appoint Brys without consulting FECAFOOT. This move surprised the federation and highlighted the tension between governmental control and the federation's autonomy​ ​.

During the meeting, Eto'o expressed his frustration, insisting on his authority within the federation and demanding respect from the coach and the ministry's representatives​ .

This incident has exacerbated the crisis within Cameroonian football, with players receiving conflicting instructions about training camps ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Eto'o's apology aimed to quell the controversy, emphasizing his commitment to unity and collaboration within the national team setup​.