August 10 – The Confederation of African Football is to investigate the head of the Cameroon FA (Fecafoot), Samuel Eto’o, one of the Continent’s most iconic figures.
Eto’o, four-time African footballer of the year, has been reported to CAF by Fecafoot stakeholders over alleged improper conduct.
CAF pointed out in a statement that Eto’o “is presumed to be innocent until an appropriate judicial body concludes otherwise” and that it will make no further announcement while the investigations are ongoing.
Last month amateur clubs in Cameroon called for the resignation of Eto’o.
The clubs cited “grave irregularities” in the organisation and has expressed concerns over several issues, including changes to the president’s mandate, the lack of publication of new statutes, and Eto’o’s involvement with a sports betting company.
FIFA strictly forbids individuals bound by its code from participating in any betting or gambling activities.
Eto’o was elected president of Fecafoot n 2021 and twice as a player won the African Nations Cup.
He was one of the greatest forwards of his generation after enjoying a stellar career, notably five successful seasons at Barcelona scoring 130 goals in 199 games. He continued to score goals after leaving for Inter Milan in the summer of 2009 and also played for Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Everton before retiring in 2019.
CAF has not mentioned the specific case they are investigating, but the development comes two months after Eto’o was accused of match-fixing.
During the World Cup in Qatar, footage emerged that showed the Cameroon FA chief hitting a man with his knee following a heated exchange and bystanders trying to restrain Eto’o. The incident took place outside Stadium 974 after Brazil’s 4-1 victory over South Korea. An ambassador of the 2022 World Cup, Eto’o later apologized.
Eto’o also became an ambassador for 1xBet, a role that could be in breach of FIFA’s ethics code. On social media, Eto’o, who chairs Fecafoot, wrote that he was a “proud ambassador of 1xBet” and told his followers to “prepare yourself for non-stop excitement with mega bonuses, unlimited options and a save experience.”
“You don’t engage yourself in a contract if you think that it is not interesting. I found the contract very interesting and that it could permit me to go further. I love sharing with people, I love putting smiles on their faces,” Eto’o reportedly said. “The contract is a win-win partnership. It will enable me to attain my objectives. 1XBET will also be able to achieve theirs.”
Article 27 of the FIFA Ethics code however prohibits football administrators from both participating in betting and gambling directly and indirectly as well as from having an indirect or direct interest. Football officials can be slapped with a fine of at least CHF100,000 and a three-year ban from the game, according to article 27.3.
And back in June last year he was handed a 22-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to a €3.9 million tax fraud relating to his image rights while playing for Barcelona.
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