FIFA Bans Samuel Eto’o For Six Months

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a six-month ban on Samuel Eto’o, President of the Cameroonian Football Association (FECAFOOT), prohibiting him from attending any matches involving Cameroon’s national teams.

The suspension follows breaches of articles 13 and 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which cover offensive behavior, violations of fair play, and misconduct by officials.

This sanction comes after an incident during the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ round-of-16 match between Brazil and Cameroon, held in Bogotá, Colombia, on September 11, 2024.

Effective immediately, Eto’o will be barred from attending matches involving all categories and age groups of Cameroon’s men’s and women’s teams.

The timing of the ban is significant, as Cameroon’s men’s national team faces a crucial double-header against Kenya in October, part of their qualification campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Eto’o will be unable to attend these important matches, which could affect team morale given his prominent leadership role.

Eto’o’s legacy as one of Africa’s greatest footballers is well-established. The former striker had a remarkable playing career, winning multiple league titles and UEFA Champions League trophies with clubs like Barcelona and Inter Milan.

Known for his pace, strength, and clinical finishing, Eto’o was a key player in Barcelona’s treble-winning side in 2009 and Inter Milan’s historic treble in 2010 under José Mourinho.

He remains the all-time top scorer for the Cameroon national team, having scored 56 goals in 118 appearances.

Internationally, Eto’o was pivotal to Cameroon’s successes, helping them secure two Africa Cup of Nations titles (2000, 2002) and an Olympic gold medal in 2000. He represented the Indomitable Lions in four World Cup tournaments, becoming a symbol of African football on the global stage.

Following his retirement in 2019, Eto’o transitioned into leadership. In December 2021, he was elected president of FECAFOOT, aiming to improve football infrastructure and development in Cameroon.

However, his tenure has been marked by several controversies, with this latest FIFA sanction being a significant challenge to his leadership.