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FIFA has imposed a six-month ban on Cameroon football legend and current president of the Cameroon Football Federation, Samuel Eto’o, over alleged gross misconduct.
With this ban, Eto'o is therefore barred from attending any national team games.
The ban came following an incident that occurred during the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia on September 11.
Eto’o, who has led Cameroon’s football federation since 2021, faced two charges stemming from the match, where Brazil defeated Cameroon 3-1 in the round of 16 after extra time.
The governing body stated that Eto’o had violated disciplinary rules concerning “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play,” as well as misconduct by officials.
“The ban imposed on Eto’o prevents him from attending men’s and women’s matches involving Cameroon teams of all categories and age groups,” FIFA said in an official statement.
Eto’o, widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest footballers, had a stellar playing career, representing Cameroon in four World Cups and securing back-to-back Champions League titles with Barcelona and Inter Milan.
His tenure as president of FECAFOOT has been closely watched, but the recent ban marks a significant challenge in his leadership of Cameroonian football.
Eto’o’s conduct as an administrator will however come under scrutiny with this disciplinary action by the governoring body.
According to FIFA, the action underscores "its commitment to upholding fair play, regardless of an official’s legacy or stature in the game."
