By Kwame Bediako
Cameroonian football legend and federation president Samuel Eto’o has been slapped with a four-match suspension for alleged misconduct during Cameroon’s defeat to Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) disciplinary committee also imposed a $20,000 fine on Eto’o following an investigation into his behavior during the tense quarterfinal encounter.
The Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) confirmed the decision on Wednesday, though it voiced strong reservations about the process.
In a statement, FECAFOOT described the ruling as one that “lacks any explicit justification,” adding that the “expedited procedure leading to this decision raises serious concerns regarding the fundamental requirements of a fair trial.”
CAF had earlier announced on Monday that it was investigating incidents from two AFCON quarterfinals, Cameroon versus Morocco and Algeria versus Nigeria.
While the governing body did not provide specific details regarding the Cameroon fixture, footage from the match appeared to show Eto’o engaging in a heated exchange with Moroccan FA president Fouzi Lekjaa, as CAF president Patrice Motsepe looked on.
Eto’o, a former four-time African Footballer of the Year, has faced increased scrutiny in recent months over leadership controversies at FECAFOOT.
His latest sanction adds to mounting pressure on his administration amid calls for greater transparency and accountability in Cameroon’s football governance.
Despite the disciplinary blow, FECAFOOT vowed to stand by its leader.
“FECAFOOT reaffirms its unwavering support for its president and its commitment to upholding the principles governing credible disciplinary justice,” the federation said, signaling that the battle over Eto’o’s suspension may not be over yet.
