Eto’o’s ban is effective immediately and prevents him from attending any matches involving Cameroon’s national teams across all age groups during the suspension period.
Yaounde, Cameroon- Samuel Eto’o, the President of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), has been handed a six-month ban by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee.
The decision prevents him from attending any football matches involving Cameroon’s national teams—both men’s and women’s—across all age categories during the suspension period.
The ban follows an incident during Cameroon’s U-20 Women’s World Cup round-of-16 match against Brazil on September 11, 2024, in Bogota, Colombia. FIFA stated that Eto’o’s actions during the match violated Articles 13 and 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which pertain to “Offensive Behaviour and Violation of the Principles of Fair Play” and “Misconduct of Players and Officials.”
While the exact nature of Eto’o’s conduct was not disclosed, FIFA confirmed that his behavior breached rules related to offensive conduct and violations of fair play. Cameroon lost the match 3-1 to Brazil after extra time, ending their U-20 team’s World Cup campaign.
Eto’o’s ban is effective immediately and prevents him from attending any matches involving Cameroon’s national teams across all age groups during the suspension period. The former Barcelona and Inter Milan star, who took charge of FECAFOOT in 2021, has not yet commented on the ban, and FECAFOOT has remained silent on the matter.
The timing of the suspension is particularly critical, as Cameroon’s men’s national team is gearing up for a pivotal double-header against Kenya in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification campaign this October. Just days before the announcement, Eto’o chaired a meeting in Douala to discuss the team’s preparations ahead of the qualifiers.
With a distinguished playing career that includes four World Cup appearances and multiple UEFA Champions League titles, Eto’o now faces a major challenge in his role as FECAFOOT president. The ban is expected to have a significant impact on his capacity to support the national teams and manage the federation during this crucial period.
The football governing body’s decision adds to the growing scrutiny surrounding the African legend’s leadership of Cameroonian football. The global football body’s statement did not specify if additional sanctions could follow, leaving the door open for further disciplinary measures.
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