Samuel Eto'o Handed Six-Month Ban by FIFA for Misconduct

This sanction follows breaches of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code related to offensive behavior and misconduct during the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™.

The incident in question occurred on September 11, 2024, during a round-of-16 match between Brazil and Cameroon in Bogotá, Colombia. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee cited violations of articles 13 (Offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play) and 14 (Misconduct of players and officials) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

Eto'o's ban, which came into effect immediately upon notification, applies to all men's and women's matches involving FECAFOOT teams across various age categories, severely restricting his involvement with Cameroon’s national teams for the next six months.

This development marks a significant setback for Eto’o, one of Africa's most celebrated football figures, who has been at the helm of FECAFOOT since December 2021. Known for his high-profile advocacy for Cameroonian football, Eto’o's leadership and presence on the international stage have been key to the federation’s recent efforts to elevate the sport in the country.

The specifics of Eto'o’s actions during the match between Brazil and Cameroon have not been fully disclosed, but the breach of fair play and official misconduct regulations has resulted in this strict penalty.

As the ban prevents Eto'o from attending any official matches involving Cameroon’s teams, his absence could have significant implications for FECAFOOT's preparations and management, especially with the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

This ban represents a critical moment in Eto'o's leadership at FECAFOOT, a federation that has been striving for stability and progress amid challenges in Cameroonian football.