The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended Cameroon football icon and federation president Samuel Eto’o ,handing him a four-match suspension and a fine of $20,000 following an investigation into alleged misconduct during Cameroon’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal loss to Morocco.
The sanction, confirmed on Wednesday by the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), stems from incidents during the highly charged encounter. CAF’s disciplinary committee announced the punishment after reviewing events from the match, although the governing body has not publicly detailed the specific actions that led to the decision.
FECAFOOT, while acknowledging the ruling, strongly criticised the disciplinary process, raising concerns about fairness and transparency.
“The ruling lacks any explicit justification,” the federation said in a statement, adding that “the expedited procedure leading to this decision raises serious concerns regarding the fundamental requirements of a fair trial.”
CAF had earlier disclosed that it was investigating incidents arising from two AFCON quarterfinal matches — Cameroon versus Morocco and Algeria versus Nigeria. Video footage circulating from the Cameroon-Morocco game appeared to show Eto’o involved in a tense exchange with Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa, with CAF president Patrice Motsepe nearby.
Eto’o, a four-time African Footballer of the Year, has been under growing scrutiny in recent months amid controversies surrounding leadership and governance at FECAFOOT. The latest disciplinary action adds to the pressure on his administration, with critics calling for greater accountability and transparency in Cameroon’s football management.
Despite the setback, FECAFOOT reaffirmed its support for Eto’o and hinted at a possible challenge to the decision.
“FECAFOOT reaffirms its unwavering support for its president and its commitment to upholding the principles governing credible disciplinary justice,” the statement said.
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