The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed significant disciplinary measures against Samuel Eto’o, president of Cameroon’s Football Federation (Fecafoot), following an investigation into misconduct during the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final. The legendary former striker received a four-match suspension and a $20,000 fine after a CAF disciplinary panel found him guilty of violating principles of sportsmanship.
The incident occurred during Cameroon’s 2-0 defeat to tournament hosts Morocco in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations. Witnesses reported Eto’o making angry gestures toward match officials over disputed decisions during the game. CAF president Patrice Motsepe, who was present at the Rabat stadium, reportedly observed Eto’o’s demonstrative behavior firsthand.
This disciplinary action follows CAF’s broader investigation launched on Monday into ‘violent confrontations and unacceptable behavior of some players and officials’ during the tournament’s quarter-final matches. The continental governing body emphasized its commitment to maintaining sportsmanship standards across African football.
Fecafoot has vigorously contested the ruling, issuing a statement that questioned the fairness of the judicial process and expressed ‘serious reservations about the fundamental requirements of a fair trial.’ The federation has thrown its full support behind Eto’o and indicated plans to appeal the sanction through appropriate channels.
Since his election as federation president in December 2021, Eto’o’s tenure has been marked by controversy and scandal, with various football stakeholders accusing him of improper conduct and managerial deficiencies within Cameroon’s football administration. The former Barcelona and Inter Milan star has consistently denied these allegations while promoting his accomplishments leading the organization.