FIFA Bans Samuel Eto'o for Six Months From Cameroon Matches

Samuel Eto'o, the former football star and current president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), has been hit with a six-month ban by FIFA, marking another controversial chapter in his post-playing career.

The Ban and Its Implications

FIFA's disciplinary committee found Eto'o guilty of "offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play" as well as “misconduct towards officials”. The charges stem from an incident during the Under-20 Women's World Cup match between Cameroon and Brazil on September 11, 2024, in Bogota, Colombia.

The ban prohibits Eto'o from attending any national team matches, both men's and women's, across all age groups. This means he will be absent from Cameroon's upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya in October.

Recent Controversies

This is not the first time Eto'o has faced disciplinary action in his role as Fecafoot president:

1. In July 2024, he was fined $200,000 for an unauthorized brand endorsement with an online betting company.

2. He has clashed with Cameroon's sports ministry over the selection of national team coaches, notably criticizing the appointment of Belgian Marc Brys as “illegal”.

Eto'o's Legacy and Transition

Despite these controversies, Eto'o's legacy as a player remains formidable. He is a four-time African Player of the Year and Cameroon's second-most capped player. His club career saw him win Champions League titles with both Barcelona and Inter Milan, with former coach Jose Mourinho even suggesting he deserved to win the Ballon d'Or.

However, his transition from celebrated player to football administrator has been marked by challenges and disputes, highlighting the difficulties faced by former players in governance roles.