Indomitable Lions: Marc Brys pocketed AFCON 2025 bonuses while David Pagou remains sidelined and unpaid
Sidelined from the Indomitable Lions’ dugout on the eve of AFCON 2025, Belgian coach Marc Brys has continued to enjoy all his contractual benefits. According to reports first revealed by Sports News Africa, and later confirmed by Sportglitz.com, the Cameroonian state still honors its commitment, paying Brys’ monthly salary and competition-related bonuses. Meanwhile, the technical staff led by David Pagou, appointed by FECAFOOT, find themselves without a contract or remuneration.
The Paradox Between Two Coaches
Legally, Marc Brys has not ceased to be the head coach of Cameroon. Recruited in April 2024 by the Ministry of Sports—not FECAFOOT—Brys signed a two-and-a-half-year contract. Despite his ousting late in 2025, the Ministry maintains that “the State never officially terminated Mr. Brys’ contract.” Consequently, Brys reportedly received a bonus of over 20 million CFA francs following the Lions’ qualification for the quarterfinals, a performance actually achieved on the sidelines by David Pagou.
His monthly salary of 60,000 Euros, is equally still being paid. Brys himself has made claims of being in charge: “I am still the coach of Cameroon. I have received no official letter of dismissal.” He said at an interview Pre AFCON.
David Pagou: A Local Coach in the Shadow of Marc Brys
In stark contrast, David Pagou’s situation highlights a critical issue: the lack of relevance and respect afforded to local expertise. Despite taking Cameroon to the AFCON quarterfinals under extremely difficult conditions and intense institutional pressure, Pagou remains without a formal contract as head coach or salary from the State. He has been offered a bonus only as assistant coach of the team.
The history between these two men comes a long way. David Pagou formerly served as an assistant to Marc Brys following a “reconciliation” meeting at the Presidency in September 2024. However, Pagou was largely ignored for long periods. Brys openly refused to work with him, preferring to collaborate almost exclusively with his personal assistant, Joachim Mununga. It was only much later that a joint contract was supposedly envisioned, but by then, the rift was absolute.
The Ministry of Sports now claims that since FECAFOOT imposed Pagou’s staff, it is up to the Federation to pay them. FECAFOOT counter-argues that Pagou coached the national team of Cameroon, not a private club, and therefore should be paid by the State.
Eto’o’s Detachment and Pagou’s Return to Coton Sport
Samuel Eto’o, President of FECAFOOT, has adopted a position of calculated indifference regarding Brys’ compensation. “I am not his employer. If his employer decides to continue paying him, I have nothing to say about that,” Eto’o told France 24. As long as Brys is not on FECAFOOT’s payroll, Eto’o appears unconcerned with the financial absurdity of the situation.
As for David Pagou, he is currently at Coton Sport of Garoua. Having secured this appointment even before the AFCON began, he will continue his career leading the local giants. His first major test back in the domestic league is scheduled for this Sunday against the reigning Elite One champions, Colombe of Dja and Lobo.
This saga is textbook Cameroonian stuff: a foreign coach receiving millions for work he didn’t do, while a local, Pagou, proves his worth on the continental stage only to return to the local championship without the financial or professional recognition he earned.
