Image source: bbc.com
Former Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o has been handed a four-match ban and fined $20,000 by the Confederation of African Football after being found guilty of misconduct during the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final between Cameroon and Morocco, with Cameroon’s football federation expressing support for their president and suggesting an appeal.
Samuel Eto’o Receives Four-Match Ban and $20,000 Fine From CAF After AFCON Misconduct
A CAF disciplinary panel found that Eto’o, now president of Cameroon’s football federation Fecafoot, had violated principles of sportsmanship during the quarter-final match against Morocco. The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker was reportedly seen making an angry gesture over some of the decisions taken by the officials as the Indomitable Lions lost 2-0 to the tournament hosts in Rabat.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe, who was also in attendance at the stadium, appeared to have witnessed Eto’o’s frustration during the match. On Monday, the continent’s governing body announced it was launching an investigation into “violent confrontations and unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials” during the quarter-final matches of the tournament.
Fecafoot rejected CAF’s decision in response, describing the disciplinary process as one that “raises serious reservations about the fundamental requirements of a fair trial”. The Cameroon football federation then expressed support for its president in a statement on Wednesday, while suggesting Eto’o would appeal against the sanction imposed by the continental governing body.
Since assuming his role as Fecafoot president in 2021, Eto’o’s image as a legend of the game has been dented by controversy and scandals. He has faced accusations of improper conduct and poor management, with some football stakeholders also complaining of grave irregularities within Fecafoot, though he has often rejected such allegations while touting his achievements at the helm of the organisation.
