By Brian Magiri
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has banned Samuel Eto’o, the President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), from attending any matches involving his country for six months.
In a statement released on Monday 30, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee stated that the former Barcelona and Chelsea player had breached articles 13 and 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code which pertain to offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play, as well as misconduct by players and officials.
“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the President of the Cameroonian Football Association (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto’o, with a six-month ban from attending matches of Cameroon’s representative teams for breaches of articles 13 (Offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play) and 14 (Misconduct of players and officials) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code,” the statement read.
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The ban is connected to the Under-20 Women’s World Cup match between Cameroon and Brazil on September 11 where Brazil won 3-1.
Eto’o and the Cameroon delegation saw red over a penalty that led to Brazil’s equalizer at the match played in Bogota, Colombia on September 11.
The committee further stated that the former international player will not be allowed to attend any matches involving FECAFOOT.
“The sanction was imposed in connection with the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup round-of-16 match between Brazil and Cameroon, played in Bogotá, Colombia, on September 11, 2024.”
Samuel Eto’o
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“The ban imposed on Mr. Eto’o prevents him from attending men’s and women’s matches involving FECAFOOT teams of all categories and age groups,” the statement added.
This is not the first time Eto’o has faced sanctions. Just a few months ago, he was fined by CAF in July for violating principles of ethics, integrity, and sportsmanship.
Although he was not found guilty due to insufficient evidence, Eto’o was fined $200,000. He avoided sanctions related to match-fixing allegations involving one of the betting companies.
However, this latest sanction does not affect Eto’o’s role as FECAFOOT president, a position he has held since 2021, and he will continue to serve in this capacity.
The Cameroon national team is set to face Harambee Stars in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifier on October 11 at Jampoma Stadium in Douala.
Kenya is currently leading Group J with 4 points, tied with Cameroon but ahead on goal difference.
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