Cameroon FA boss Samuel Eto'o to miss Kenya clash following FIFA suspension

Cameroon FA boss Samuel Eto'o to miss Kenya clash following FIFA suspension

Eric Munene 09:33 - 01.10.2024

Samuel Eto'o has been banned from attending Cameroon matches over misconduct which will rule him out of the doble header between the Indomitable Lions and Harambee Stars.

Samuel Eto'o, the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot) and former football star, has been handed a six-month ban from attending any matches involving Cameroon’s national teams at all levels.

This decision comes from a FIFA disciplinary panel following incidents at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup match against Brazil on September 11, 2024.

Eto'o, who has been a prominent figure in Cameroonian football both as a player and now Fecafoot boss, was found to have breached FIFA's disciplinary code concerning offensive behavior and principles of fair play.

The match, which saw Cameroon eliminated after a 3-1 defeat, was marred by conduct that led to the sanction.

The ban prohibits Eto'o from attending all football matches involving Cameroon’s men’s and women’s teams, including all age categories. This ruling is effective immediately, and Eto'o has been formally notified of the decision.

In the coming weeks, Cameroon’s men’s team is scheduled to face Kenya in a double-header for the qualification of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, making Eto'o's absence particularly notable.

This latest sanction adds to a series of controversies surrounding Eto'o since he took over at Fecafoot in December 2021. Earlier this year, he was fined $200,000 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for ethical violations linked to his role as an ambassador for a betting company.

His administration has faced criticism for alleged mismanagement, with calls for his resignation coming from amateur football clubs in Cameroon.

Eto'o’s leadership has been characterised by tension, including a public dispute with the Ministry of Sport regarding the appointment of Marc Brys as coach of the national team.

Despite the controversies, Eto'o remains a significant figure in Cameroonian football, having enjoyed a stellar playing career that includes multiple titles and awards.

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