Cameroonians fault FIFA’s six-month ban on Samuel Eto’o

The decision by the world football governing body FIFA, to slam a six-month ban on the President of Cameroon Football Federation, Samuel Eto’o, has been described as a “wicked act” by some of the country’s journalists and football fans.

Eto’o, one of the best African footballers of all time, was banned by FIFA following his conduct at Cameroon’s last-16 match against Brazil at the Women’s U-20 World Cup, which the South Americans won 3-1 after extra time in Bogota, Colombia, on September 11, 2024.

The ban means the ex-Barcelona and Inter Milan star must miss his country’s games for half a year according to FIFA. However, the situation is not going down well with some Cameroonians, who believe that the FECAFOOT boss is being witch-hunted ahead of his plans to run for the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) presidency in the upcoming elections set for March 25, 2025.

Although Eto’o is yet to make an official announcement, there were strong indications last week that he will enter the race. The football legend is said to be seeking guidance from former CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad as part of his preparations.

In addition to his CAF ambitions, Eto’o is reportedly grooming his trusted advisor, Mongue Nyamsi, to succeed him at FECAFOOT, favoring him over current first vice president, Celine Eko.

The current CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, is being urged to run for a second term after his unopposed election in 2021. Eto’o’s candidacy is said to be unsettling some top football stakeholders who are afraid that he might floor Motsepe if allowed to go head-to-head in the election.

A Cameroonian sports journalist, who gave his name as Issah, told The Guardian, in a telephone conversation, yesterday, from his base in Douala said: “I