Cameroon football legend Samuel Eto’o has been handed a six-month ban by FIFA, barring him from attending any national team matches. The ban follows an incident during the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia on September 11.
Eto’o, who has served as the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) since 2021, faced two charges related to the incident. FIFA did not provide specific details regarding the events that transpired during the round of 16 match, where Brazil defeated Cameroon 3-1 after extra time.
According to FIFA, Eto’o was found to have violated disciplinary regulations involving “offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play,” as well as misconduct by officials.
“The ban imposed on Mr. Eto’o prevents him from attending men’s and women’s matches involving Cameroon teams across all categories and age groups,” FIFA stated in an official release.
The ban, which extends through March 2024, will prevent Eto’o from attending key national team games, including those in the qualification rounds for the 2026 World Cup and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Eto’o, 43, had an illustrious playing career, representing Cameroon in four World Cups from 1998 to 2014, only missing the 2006 tournament. He remains the country’s all-time leading scorer with 56 goals for the Indomitable Lions. He was also part of the national team that won two Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2000 and 2002.
In his club career, Eto’o secured three UEFA Champions League titles—two with Barcelona in 2009 and one with Inter Milan in 2010—cementing his status as one of the top football forwards of his generation.
(AP)
