shocker: FIFA Disciplinary Committee sanctions Samuel Eto’o

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 behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play) and 14 (Misconduct of players and officials) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

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 11 September 2024.

The ban imposed on Mr Eto’o  prevents him from attending mens’ and women’s matches involving FECAFOOT teams of all categories and age groups.Eto’o has been notified today, the date on which the sanction comes into force.

Eto’o was  notified today, the date on which the sanction comes into force.

From sportglitz sources, the FECAFOOT president had rather demeaning remarks for the Italian trio of refree; Ferrieri Caputi,  assistants; Trasciati, Karen Hernandez and Portuguese born Vanessa Gomes, which was included in the match report.

For starters, Cameroon lost the game in extra time (3-1) after some “questionable”  calls – including a penalty that led to an equalizer courtesy  Priscila Flor da Silva. Eto’o reported approached the officials and made them know what he thought.

Samuel Eto’o’s first term as Fecafoot president has been filled with controversies.

In July this year, Eto’o was fined by Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) after an investigation into alleged violation of the principles of ethics and integrity. He was cleared of manipulating football matches.

A statement from CAF after a violation reads: “The Confederation Africaine de Football (“CAF”) Disciplinary Board sat on the matter of Federation Camerounaise de Football President Mr Samuel Eto’o Fils.

“Mr Eto’o was facing charges of alleged manipulation of football matches and violating the principles of ethics and integrity.

“The Disciplinary Board ruled that as it stands, there is insufficient proof to find Mr Samuel Eto’o Fils and Mr Valentine Nkwain (president of Victoria United) guilty of match manipulation.

“However, the Disciplinary Board found Mr Eto’o to have seriously violated the principles of ethics, integrity, and sportsmanship as provided in Article 2 paragraph 3 of the CAF Statutes by signing a Brand Ambassador contract with the company 1XBET in exchange for remuneration and consequently fined Mr. Eto’o an amount of $200,000.”

Eto’o’s lawyers, Florian Mbayen Hegba, Antoine Vey and Bonny Elame, confirmed he appealed the decision.

Whilst still waiting for the decision of his appeal, another sledge hammer falls on Cameron’s record all time goal scorer.

Eto’o is rumoured to be interested in the CAF presidency, but the latest ruling by FIFA makes it difficult to see the EX Barca forward passing an ethics test.