The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended Samuel Eto'o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), for four matches following allegations of misconduct during Cameroon's 2-0 defeat to Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on January 9, 2026. The decision, announced on January 15, 2026, comes amid heightened scrutiny of team officials' behavior during this year's tournament.
CAF's disciplinary committee cited "violations of fair play principles" during the high-stakes group-stage match, though specific details of Eto'o's actions remain undisclosed. The ban, effective immediately, prohibits the former football star from participating in official matchday activities until Cameroon's potential quarterfinal fixture.
Analysts suggest the ruling could impact Cameroon's campaign, as Eto'o has been a vocal presence in the team's technical area throughout AFCON 2026. The suspension also raises questions about governance standards in African football, with CAF emphasizing its commitment to "upholding integrity at all levels of the game."
Eto'o, who led FECAFOOT to a major restructuring in 2025, has yet to publicly comment on the sanction. Cameroon's next match against Senegal on January 19 will mark the first game under the new restrictions.
