Cameroon FA states case against FIFA’s decision to ban Eto’o for six months

Cameroon Football Federation may be set for ‘war’ with the world football governing body (FIFA) following the six-month ban slammed on its president, Samuel Eto’o, on Monday.

The ex-Barcelona and Inter Milan star was banned by FIFA following his conduct at Cameroon’s last-16 match against Brazil at the Women’s U-20 World Cup, which the South Americans won 3-1 after extra time in Bogota, Colombia, on September 11, 2024. The ban means Eto’o must stay away from his country’s games for half a year according to FIFA.

But Cameroon Football Federation has described the ban as “misguided.”

In a letter to FIFA, which was also sent to The Guardian, the Cameroon FA said: “The decision appears to be based on a misinterpretation of the actions of Mr. Samuel Eto’o, and we strongly believe that this decision is misguided and it will not prevent him from carrying out his duties at the head of FECAFOOT.”

In the statement signed by FECAFOOT’s Secretary General, Djounang Biaise, the body explained that throughout the Cameroon versus Brazil last-16 match at the Women’s U-20 World Cup, in Bogota, obvious refereeing errors were noticed by all spectators and television viewers.

“For example, the Brazilian team’s equalizer was irrevocably tainted by a number of irregularities. It is worth noting that during the match between Cameroon and Colombia, which was officiated by the same referee, an obvious penalty was unfortunately not given to the Cameroonian team. Following the Brazil versus Cameroon match, the President of FECAFOOT, who was present at the stadium,” drew attention to the errors which, unfortunately, altered the results of the two matches.

“The Cameroon Football Federation is surprised and disappointed by this unfortunate decision, which appears to be based on a misinterpretation of the actions of our president.

“As President of FECAFOOT, Mr. Samuel Eto’o is entitled to use the legal means at his disposal to ensure that justice is done in this matter,” Biaise said.

Some Cameroonian journalists and supporters club members had slammed FIFA over the six-month ban placed on Eto’o, saying that the world football body was looking for a way to frustrate him from his plans to contest against the current CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe in the election scheduled for March 25, 2025.

Although Eto’o is yet to make an official announcement, there were strong indications last week that he will enter the race.