'I will fear no evil' – Samuel Eto’o laughs last as CAF calls off sanctions against FECAFOOT president after dragging him to court

The Cameroon football chief and Africa's richest has triumphed in his legal battle against CAF.

Cameroonian football legend Samuel Eto’o has emerged victorious in his long-running legal battle against the Confederation of African Football (CAF), successfully overturning sanctions that had threatened his presidency at the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT). 

Pulse Sports reports that the CAF Appeals Board ruled in his favour, stating that the disciplinary body had no jurisdiction over ethical matters, which should be handled exclusively by an independent Ethics Committee.

Eto’o, a four-time African Player of the Year and one of Africa's richest footballers, had been fined $200,000 and faced potential disqualification from CAF’s upcoming March elections due to alleged breaches of ethical principles. 

However, after an eight-month legal battle, his legal team successfully argued that the CAF Disciplinary Board had overstepped its authority.

In a statement, Eto’o’s legal representatives Florian MBAYEN HEGBA, Antoine VEY, and Bonny ELAME confirmed the ruling, stating:

“The legal representatives of Mr. Samuel Eto'o, together with the Director of Legal Affairs of FECAFOOT, take due note, with satisfaction, of the decision rendered on February 19, 2025, by the Appeals Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in case DC23137.

“Following a comprehensive legal review, the Appeals Committee held that the CAF Disciplinary Committee lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate matters of an ethical nature, which fall exclusively within the purview of an independent Ethics Committee.

“This decision unequivocally reaffirms the position steadfastly defended by Mr. Eto'o since the inception of this matter. It brings an end to proceedings initiated by a body lacking jurisdiction, which had not even afforded him the fundamental right to be heard during a preliminary investigation.

“Through its ruling, the Appeals Committee fully restores Mr. Eto'o's rights, thereby enabling him to continue discharging his duties as President of FECAFOOT with serenity and unwavering determination.”

Eto’o had been under intense scrutiny due to his association with sports betting company 1xBet and a previous suspended prison sentence for tax fraud in Spain. CAF initially deemed his partnership with the betting firm a conflict of interest, a move widely believed to have led to his exclusion from the CAF Executive Committee elections.

However, with this ruling, Eto’o’s eligibility for the March elections is now theoretically reinstated, pending any further appeals or challenges. 

Eto’o scores crucial win ahead of CAF Elections

Reacting to the decision, Eto’o took to Instagram, posting a cryptic but pointed message directed at his critics. He quoted Psalm 23:4, saying:

“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

He then added as translated from French: “The Cheating will only pass for a little while.”

Eto’o’s reinstatement may also set a legal precedent for other disqualified candidates such as Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas (Congo) and MacLean Letshwiti (Botswana), who are also seeking to overturn their exclusions ahead of the CAF elections.

With the final candidate list yet to be confirmed, Eto’o’s legal triumph could shake up the race for key leadership positions within CAF.