Former Cameroon and serving president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) Samuel Eto’o has been hit with a six-month ban by world football governing body FIFA. FIFA reached the decision after the former striker commited disciplinary violations during the under-20 Women’s World Cup round of 16 game between Cameroon and Brazil. Cameroon crashed out of the competition hosted by Columbia after losing 3-1 to Brazil after extra time on September 11.
The ban will prevent Eto’o from attending any Cameroon game in all age groups and categories for a period of six months. This will limit his participation with the teams including the men’s senior national team preparing for an important AFCON qualifier against Kenya in October.
Eto’o has courted controversies since his tenure as Fecafoot president began. The former Barcelona and Inter star was fined earlier this year by CAF for an ethics violation involving his role in representing a betting brand as an ambassador. He has also been criticized for his leadership style, earning him a “dictator” label from some former teammates.
Eto’o took office as Fecafoot president in 2021, putting him in the limelight as a football administrator after a stellar playing career. He has been faced with challenges, however, including calls from stakeholders in Cameroonian football for reforms within Fecafoot.
With this ban being the latest in Eto’o’s series of challenges in office, his ability to credibly lead the organization is getting questioned again. However, his leadership credentials is not the only thing raising eyebrows now. The fate of the Indomitable Lions and Cameroonian football at large under him is open to questions.
