The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has handed Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), a six-month ban, barring him from attending any matches involving Cameroon’s national teams.
This suspension stems from breaches of Articles 13 (“Offensive conduct and violations of fair play principles”) and 14 (“Misconduct by players and officials”) of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code. The violations are connected to Cameroon’s last-16 match against Brazil, which Brazil won 3-1 after extra time.
The incident occurred during the match in Bogota, Colombia, on September 11, when Eto’o and the Cameroon delegation were angered by a penalty that resulted in Brazil’s equaliser.
While the ban prevents Eto’o from attending any Cameroon matches, whether men’s or women’s teams, at any age level, it does not affect his position as FECAFOOT president.
“The sanction imposed on Mr. Eto’o will prevent him from attending matches of both the men’s and women’s national teams of FECAFOOT at any category or age group,” FIFA said in a statement, noting that the decision is effective immediately and has been communicated to the Cameroon Federation’s president.
In July, Eto’o was fined $200,000 by the Confederation of African Football for an ethics violation related to a brand deal with an online gambling company.
Eto’o, elected as Fecafoot president in 2021, has also been in conflict with Cameroon’s sports ministry, criticising the appointment of Belgian Marc Brys as the men’s team coach earlier this year, calling it “illegal.”
