FIFA bans Eto’o from attending games for six months over misconduct

Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroon FA (FECAFOOT), has been issued a six-month ban from attending any international matches involving the country. 

According to a statement from FIFA on Monday, Eto’o was sanctioned for breaching two articles of the football governing entity’s disciplinary code.

“The sanction was imposed in connection with the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup round-of-16 match between Brazil and Cameroon played in Bogota, Colombia, on 11 September 2024,” the statement reads.

The former Barcelona striker was adjudged guilty of “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play” and “misconduct of players and officials” during the match.

Eto’o and the Cameroon delegation saw red after Brazil was awarded a penalty. The Brazilians later won the game 3-1.

Since Eto’o became the FECAFOOT president in 2021, he has been embroiled in controversy.

In July, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) fined him $200,000 for violating “the principles of ethics, integrity and sportsmanship” by “signing a brand ambassador contract with the company 1XBET in exchange for remuneration.”

In 2022, he was caught on tape attacking a cameraman outside a stadium at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

A year later, CAF investigated him for alleged improper misconduct following complaints from several stakeholders of Cameroonian football.