Faith Nyasuguta
Former Cameroon football icon Samuel Eto’o has been handed a four-match ban and fined $20,000 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after being found guilty of misconduct during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
CAF’s disciplinary panel ruled that Eto’o violated the organisation’s principles of sportsmanship following Cameroon’s 2 – 0 quarter-final defeat to tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat. The incident occurred during the 2026 AFCON last-eight clash, where Eto’o, now president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), was seen reacting angrily to decisions made by match officials.
Television footage and eyewitness accounts showed Eto’o making a heated gesture from the stands as the Indomitable Lions exited the tournament. CAF president Patrice Motsepe, who was present at the stadium, is understood to have witnessed the incident, which later became central to the disciplinary case.
In a statement, CAF confirmed that Eto’o had breached its statutes and disciplinary code relating to conduct, ethics and respect for match officials. As a result, he is barred from attending the next four CAF-sanctioned matches involving Cameroonian teams and must also pay the monetary fine.
The ruling comes amid heightened scrutiny of behaviour at the tournament. Earlier this week, CAF announced it had opened investigations into what it described as “violent confrontations and unacceptable behaviour” involving players and officials during several quarter-final matches. Eto’o’s case is the most high-profile outcome of that broader crackdown so far.
FECAFOOT swiftly rejected CAF’s decision, raising concerns over the disciplinary process. In an official response, the federation said the ruling “raises serious reservations about the fundamental requirements of a fair trial,” arguing that Eto’o was sanctioned without sufficient guarantees of due process. FECAFOOT also confirmed that its president intends to appeal the ban and fine within CAF’s legal framework.
Eto’o, widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest footballers, enjoyed a glittering playing career with clubs including Barcelona and Inter Milan, winning multiple league titles and Champions League trophies. He is also the all-time leading scorer in Africa Cup of Nations history and remains a towering figure in African football.
However, since assuming the FECAFOOT presidency in 2021, Eto’o’s leadership has been marked by repeated controversy. He has faced criticism over governance disputes, strained relations with coaches and officials, and allegations of irregular management within Cameroon’s football structures. Eto’o has consistently dismissed such claims, pointing to reforms and organisational changes he says have strengthened Cameroonian football.
The CAF sanction means Eto’o will be sidelined from key upcoming fixtures involving Cameroon at continental level, at least temporarily. As the appeal process unfolds, the episode is likely to intensify debate about discipline, accountability and leadership in African football, while further testing relations between CAF and one of the continent’s most influential football figures.
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