FIFA Bans Samuel Eto’o from Football Activities
Samuel Eto’o, the President of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), has been handed a six-month ban from all football-related activities by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee.
The ban stems from an incident that occurred during Cameroon’s U-20 Women’s World Cup round-of-16 match against Brazil on September 11, 2024, in Bogota, Colombia. Cameroon lost the match 3-1 to Brazil after extra time, marking the end of their World Cup campaign.
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According to FIFA, Eto’o’s conduct during the match violated Articles 13 (Offensive Behaviour and Violation of the Principles of Fair Play) and 14 (Misconduct of Players and Officials) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
*FIFA Statement*
“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the President of the Cameroonian Football Association (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto’o, with a six-month ban from attending matches of Cameroon’s representative teams for breaches of Articles 13 and 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code,” a FIFA statement reads.
*Implications of the Ban*
The ban, effective immediately, prevents Eto’o from attending any national team matches for both men’s and women’s sides across all age groups during the suspension period. This includes Cameroon’s crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches against Kenya in October.
Eto’o had chaired a meeting in Douala earlier in the week to discuss preparations ahead of the fixtures. His absence may impact the team’s morale and strategy.
*Background*
Samuel Eto’o is a renowned footballer with multiple UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona and Inter Milan. He has featured in four World Cups and is the all-time leading scorer for Cameroon.
As President of FECAFOOT, Eto’o has been instrumental in shaping Cameroonian football. However, this ban may impact his leadership and influence within the federation.