The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed a four-match suspension and a $20,000 fine to Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT). The sanction, announced by the CAF Disciplinary Jury on January 14, 2026, stems from alleged “misconduct” and “unsportsmanlike behavior” during Cameroon’s match against Morocco.
Reports suggest that Eto’o was seen making aggressive gestures toward Moroccan officials and the referee in the presence of high-ranking CAF dignitaries, including President Patrice Motsepe.
FECAFOOT issued a firm rebuttal from its headquarters in Yaoundé, describing the decision as “problematic” and “devoid of explicit reasoning.” The federation argued that the expedited nature of the disciplinary proceedings violated the principles of a fair trial. In a strongly worded statement, the Cameroonian body reaffirmed its “unwavering support” for Eto’o and announced that it would be filing an immediate appeal. FECAFOOT officials claim that the sanction is disproportionate and lacks the necessary transparency expected from a continental governing body.
This is not the first time the former Barcelona and Inter Milan star has faced scrutiny in his role as federation president.Eto’o previously overturned a $200,000 fine in 2025 regarding ethical breaches and was briefly sanctioned by FIFA in 2024 for “offensive behavior” during the U-20 Women’s World Cup. Supporters of Eto’o argue that he is being unfairly targeted due to his outspoken nature, while critics suggest that his frequent emotional outbursts are detrimental to the image of Cameroonian football on the global stage.
The suspension comes at a difficult time for Cameroon, following their early exit from the 2026 AFCON.
