Ex-Cameroon star Samuel Eto’o has been handed a four-match ban and fined $20,000 (£14,960) after being found guilty of misconduct by the Confederation of African Football.
As reported by BBC Sport on Friday, in a statement, CAF said, “Eto’o, who is president of Cameroon’s football federation, violated principles of sportsmanship during the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final between Cameroon and Morocco. The Indomitable Lions lost 2-0 to the tournament hosts in Rabat.”
The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker was reportedly seen making angry gestures in reaction to several decisions by match officials during the game. CAF president Patrice Motsepe, who was in attendance at the stadium, is understood to have witnessed Eto’o’s conduct.
On Monday, CAF announced it had opened an investigation into “violent confrontations and unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials” during the quarter-final matches of the tournament.
FECAFOOT has rejected CAF’s decision, describing the disciplinary process as one that “raises serious reservations about the fundamental requirements of a fair trial.” In a statement issued on Wednesday, the federation expressed its support for Eto’o and suggested that an appeal against the sanction would be lodged.
Eto’o, one of Africa’s most decorated footballers, has been president of FECAFOOT since 2021.
However, his time in office has been marked by controversy, with accusations of improper conduct, governance issues, and alleged irregularities within the federation.
Some football stakeholders in Cameroon have openly criticised his leadership, while Eto’o has consistently denied any wrongdoing, defending his record and pointing to reforms and achievements he says have been delivered under his administration.
