Cameroon national team coach Hugo Broos says he has issued an ultimatum to the country’s football federation (Fecafoot) and the ministry of sports to renew his contract or release him.
The 65-year-old Belgian was appointed in February 2016, leading the Indomitable Lions to clinch the Africa Cup of Nations a year later in Gabon. However, the team’s failure to qualify for the 2018 Fifa World Cup has opened the debate whether to continue with Broos or seek for a replacement.
“Last May, we verbally agreed on a renewal of my contract until after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. But I am yet to sign any document and nobody has contacted me to explain anything,” Broos said on Saturday. “I have asked them (officials) several times where are we with my contract renewal but nobody is willing to answer.”
The former Anderlecht coach still enjoys wide popularity in the central African country after his team, composed largely of fringe players, went on to claim the ultimate at the 2017 Afcon.
Some local pundits have called for a younger coach, preferably an indigene, but there have been no word from Fecafoot or the ministry.
“I have given them an ultimatum. If nothing happens thereafter I will officially announce I will not renew my contract. And that would be definitive,” he said. “All I want is some respect and consideration. We won the 2017 Afcon and so I expected to be treated differently.”
That is not the only problem currently facing the five-time African champions. Broos is reportedly having issues with a couple of his players including Karl Toko-Ekambi of French club Angers due to the coach’s choices during the 2018 World Cup qualifying.
Broos has not been paid for four months, which Fecafoot have confirmed.
“I am now open to proposals from outside, from clubs or other national teams. If I get any interesting offer I could move. I am a professional and a competitor,” he said.
