Samuel Eto’o, one of Cameroon’s most celebrated footballers and the current president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), has been dealt a severe blow by FIFA.
The international football governing body imposed a six-month ban on Eto’o, barring him from attending any national team matches. This punishment comes in response to an incident during the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia on September 11, where Eto’o allegedly engaged in “offensive behavior” and breached the principles of fair play.
Although FIFA has not disclosed the specifics of Eto’o’s misconduct, it has stated that the violations occurred during the round of 16 match between Cameroon and Brazil, which Cameroon lost 3-1 after extra time. As a result, Eto’o’s ban will prevent him from being present at any men’s or women’s matches involving the Cameroon national teams across all age groups until March 2025.
This sanction will impact crucial fixtures for Cameroon, including their qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as the country faces high-stakes matches over the next several months.
Eto’o, widely regarded as one of the greatest African footballers, enjoyed a legendary career playing for top European clubs such as Barcelona and Inter Milan. He represented Cameroon in four World Cups, winning two Africa Cup of Nations titles, and remains the all-time top scorer for the national team with 56 goals.
The ban marks a significant moment in Eto’o’s career as an administrator and may have lasting effects on Cameroon’s football landscape during a critical period for the national teams.
