Cameroonian football legend and federation president Samuel Eto’o received a four-match suspension for alleged misconduct during Cameroon’s loss to Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) disciplinary committee also fined Eto’o $20,000 after investigating his behavior in the tense quarterfinal match. The Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) confirmed the ruling on Wednesday but expressed strong concerns about the process.
In a statement, FECAFOOT said the decision “lacks any explicit justification” and criticized the “expedited procedure” as raising serious questions about fair trial standards. CAF had announced earlier that week it was investigating incidents from two AFCON quarterfinals: Cameroon vs. Morocco and Algeria vs. Nigeria.
Although specific details were not provided about the Cameroon game, footage showed Eto’o engaging in a heated exchange with Moroccan FA president Fouzi Lekjaa, while CAF president Patrice Motsepe watched.
Eto’o, a four-time African Footballer of the Year, has been under increased scrutiny recently due to leadership disputes at FECAFOOT.
Despite the disciplinary action, FECAFOOT reaffirmed its support for Eto’o, stating it remains committed to justice and fair procedures, suggesting the controversy over his suspension might continue.