Lawyers representing Cameroonian, Samuel Eto’o have announced that the $200,000 fine imposed on the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot) president for an ethics violation has been overturned on appeal.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) launched an investigation into Eto’o’s conduct in August 2023 after receiving complaints from multiple Cameroonian football stakeholders. In July, CAF’s disciplinary panel ruled that the 43-year-old had “seriously violated the principles of ethics, integrity, and sportsmanship” by signing a contract as an ambassador for betting company 1XBET.
However, Eto’o’s legal team successfully argued that only CAF’s independent ethics committee had jurisdiction over such matters, leading to the appeal committee quashing the ruling.
1XBET is a major sponsor of Cameroon’s top two divisions and both national teams. FIFA regulations prohibit individuals bound by its code from engaging in betting-related activities connected to football. Despite the controversy, CAF has not commented on the appeal ruling.
At the time of the original ethics ruling, Eto’o was also under investigation for alleged match-fixing. However, CAF’s disciplinary panel ruled there was “insufficient proof” to proceed. Eto’o has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
His legal team stated in a letter shared on social media that CAF’s appeal committee considered Fecafoot’s ongoing ethics investigation in reaching its decision. Additionally, Eto’o is reportedly appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to ensure his eligibility for a seat on CAF’s executive committee in next month’s elections.
Since taking charge of Fecafoot in December 2021, Eto’o’s presidency has been marked by controversy. In September, he received a six-match ban from attending Cameroon national team games. Additionally, his handling of the appointment of Indomitable Lions head coach Marc Brys led a former teammate to label him a “dictator.”
With CAF President Patrice Motsepe running unopposed for re-election, the possibility of Eto’o securing a leadership position within the organization remains a major talking point in African football.
