Cameroon football icon and federation president Samuel Eto’o has been handed a four-match suspension following alleged misconduct during Cameroon’s quarterfinal loss to Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also fined Eto’o $20,000 after completing an investigation into his conduct during the heated encounter.
Confirmation of the sanctions came from the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), which, however, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the process that led to the decision.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, FECAFOOT said the ruling “lacks any explicit justification” and criticised the “expedited procedure,” warning that it raised serious concerns about respect for the principles of a fair hearing.
CAF had earlier announced that it was probing incidents from two AFCON quarterfinal matches, including the Cameroon–Morocco clash and Algeria versus Nigeria. While no detailed account was provided regarding the Cameroon game, video footage circulating from the match appeared to show Eto’o involved in a tense exchange with Moroccan FA president Fouzi Lekjaa, in the presence of CAF president Patrice Motsepe.
The former four-time African Footballer of the Year has recently come under growing scrutiny over governance and leadership issues at FECAFOOT, with his latest punishment adding to the pressure on his administration.
Despite the setback, FECAFOOT reaffirmed its support for Eto’o, insisting the matter is far from settled.
“The federation reiterates its unwavering support for its president and remains committed to the principles of credible and fair disciplinary justice,” the statement said, signalling a possible challenge to the sanction.
