Cameroon: FIFA Sanctions FECAFOOT President Samuel Eto’o Over Disciplinary Breaches

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, Cameroon – The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the President of the Cameroonian Football Association (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto’o, with a six-month ban from attending matches of Cameroon's representative teams for breaches of Articles 13 (Offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play) and 14 (Misconduct of players and officials) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

The sanction made public on Monday, September 30, was imposed in connection with the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ round-of-16 match between Brazil and Cameroon played in Bogotá, Colombia, on 11 September 2024.

According to media reports, the president of FECAFOOT is said to have accused match officials and verbally attacked them during Cameroon’s Under 20 game against Brazil in the FIFA Women’s Under 20 Round of 16 game in Bogota, Colombia. The baby Lionesses felt cheated during the game and there are unreported altercations in the post-match meetings.

The news of the suspension handed to Samuel Eto’o has received mixed reactions from the Cameroonian football cycle. Some have jubilated that it is karma on the multiple irregularities and highhandedness that has plagued the former Inter Milan, FC Barcelona striker’s reign at the helm of FECAFOOT. Others, some of his supporters, however, say it is witch-hunting 

It should be recalled that this is not the first time the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon legend has faced controversy. Samuel Eto’o previously drew attention to his behaviour towards players and national team coach Marc Brys, whom he allegedly threatened in front of cameras if his directives were not followed. During the Qatar World Cup, the former Real Madrid, Mallorca, and Barcelona player made headlines again after assaulting a fan who filmed him outside a stadium after a match.

The ban imposed on the FECAFOOT President Samuel Eto’o according to FIFA prevents him from attending men’s and women’s matches involving FECAFOOT teams of all categories and age groups. FIFA noted that Mr Eto’o has been notified today, the date on which the sanction comes into force.

This decision from FIFA comes at a time when FECAFOOT is actively preparing for the AFCON 2025 Qualifiers against Kenya. President Eto'o chaired the first preparatory meeting today in Douala, with various stakeholders involved in the preparations. However, Cameroon's sports ministry, MINSEP, and ONIES, the National Office of Infrastructure and Equipment were reportedly absent.

Cameroon will face Kenya on October 11 and counts for Matchday 3 of the AFCON Qualifiers. Both Kenya and Cameroon currently have 4 points after 2 days of play.