TAS Orders CAF to Reconsider Samuel Eto'o’s Ban from Elections

The former football star, currently serving as President of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), was initially barred from running due to allegations of match-fixing in the Cameroonian league and a six-month FIFA suspension from attending national team matches.

This ruling by TAS puts CAF in a difficult position, especially as no candidate from the UNIFFAC zone (Central African Football Federations' Union) was selected, creating a regional imbalance in the confederation’s leadership structure. The final decision could reshape power dynamics within African football governance.

CAF Under Pressure From TAS

CAF is now facing increased scrutiny after TAS' intervention, which questioned whether the exclusion was legally sound. Eto'o, refusing to accept the ruling, took his case to TAS, demanding a review before the elections set for March 12, 2025, in Cairo.

TAS’ official request now forces CAF to justify its initial decision, raising questions about the transparency of the election process.

The Impact of Eto'o’s Exclusion

The absence of a UNIFFAC candidate—which includes Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Gabon—has created a representation gap within CAF. While other candidates, such as Walid Sadi, President of the Algerian Football Federation, had no issues securing their candidacy, Eto’o’s case has exposed tensions and power struggles within the organization.

A Crucial Decision for CAF

With TAS' intervention, CAF now faces a critical choice:

• Maintain Eto'o’s exclusion, which could deepen divisions within the confederation.
• Reinstate him, potentially altering the balance of power ahead of the elections.

This ruling has escalated into a major governance battle in African football, with CAF under intense pressure to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.

As the elections approach, all eyes are on CAF's response, which could redefine the leadership landscape of African football. More developments to follow.