Gifted Markson
FIFA has imposed a six-month ban on Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), following his actions during the Women’s Under-20 World Cup match between Cameroon and Brazil.
The governing body found the former Barcelona star guilty of “offensive behaviour, violation of fair play principles, and misconduct of players and officials.”
The incident occurred during the last-16 match in Bogota, Colombia, on September 11, where Brazil triumphed 3-1 after extra time. Eto’o and the Cameroon delegation were reportedly outraged by a penalty decision that allowed Brazil to equalize, sparking their heated response.
Eto’o’s suspension prohibits him from attending any matches involving Cameroon’s men’s or women’s teams at any age category. However, this ban does not affect his position as president of Fecafoot, allowing him to continue his duties in administrative roles.
This latest sanction adds to a series of controversies surrounding Eto’o, who was also fined $200,000 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in July. The fine was linked to an ethics violation after Eto’o signed a brand deal with an online gambling firm.
Additionally, the former footballer has been embroiled in a public dispute with Cameroon’s sports ministry over the appointment of Belgian Marc Brys as the men’s national team coach, which Eto’o called “illegal.”
Eto’o was elected as president of Fecafoot in 2021, and his tenure has been marked by both progress and conflict within Cameroonian football.