The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended the President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto’o, for four matches and imposed a fine of $20,000 following his conduct during an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final match.
The sanction was handed down by CAF’s Disciplinary Board after Eto’o publicly questioned and criticized the performance of the match referee, actions CAF deemed to be in breach of its disciplinary code and standards of conduct.
According to CAF, the former African Footballer of the Year engaged in inappropriate behavior that undermined the authority of match officials and the integrity of the competition, prompting swift disciplinary measures.
The incident occurred after a tense AFCON quarter-final fixture, where Eto’o reportedly confronted match officials and expressed dissatisfaction with key refereeing decisions that went against Cameroon.
CAF emphasized that while football administrators are entitled to express concerns through established channels, public outbursts and confrontations with officials are unacceptable and detrimental to the image of African football.
The four-match suspension bars Eto’o from participating in official CAF matches and related activities during the period of the ban, while the $20,000 fine serves as an additional punitive measure.
In its statement, CAF reiterated its commitment to protecting match officials and maintaining discipline, stressing that no individual, regardless of status or legacy in the game, is above its regulations.
Eto’o, who has been a central figure in Cameroonian and African football administration since assuming leadership of FECAFOOT, is expected to respond through official channels, with reports indicating that his camp may consider appealing the decision.
