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Samuel Eto’o, the influential president of Cameroon’s football federation, has been sidelined for six months by FIFA due to his actions at a Women’s Under-20 World Cup match. The suspension sends a strong message about FIFA’s expectations for official conduct.
Samuel Eto’o, a legendary former Barcelona player, was found guilty of violating FIFA’s code of conduct, specifically for engaging in abusive behavior, disregarding fair play principles, and demonstrating misconduct unbecoming of a football official.
The controversy surrounds Cameroon’s knockout-stage encounter with Brazil, which concluded with the Brazilians securing a hard-fought 3-1 win in extra time.
Eto’o and the Cameroon delegation erupted in anger following a hotly contested penalty decision that allowed Brazil to draw level during their September 11 matchup in Bogota, Colombia, a flashpoint that has had lasting repercussions.
Read also: Cameroon Match: FIFA Slams 6-Month Ban On Eto’o After Breach
As a result of the suspension, Samuel Eto’o is barred from attending all Cameroon football matches, encompassing men’s and women’s teams across various age groups. However, his leadership position as president of Fecafoot, Cameroon’s governing football body, remains unaffected.
In July, Eto’o was fined $200,000 for a brand deal with an online gambling firm ruled to be an ethics violation by the Confederation of African Football.
Eto’o, elected president of Fecafoot in 2021, was also in conflict with his country’s sports ministry, calling their appointment of Belgian Marc Brys earlier this year as the men’s team coach “illegal”.
