CAF hammer falls on Samuel Eto’o
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has reached a verdict on the high-profile case involving Samuel Eto’o, the President of the Fédération Camerounaise de Football (FECAFOOT).
Eto’o had been under investigation for alleged manipulation of football matches and breaches of ethics and integrity principles.
After a thorough review of the evidence, the Disciplinary Board determined that there was insufficient proof to substantiate the match-fixing allegations against Eto’o and his co-accused, Mr. Valentin Nkwain. However, Eto’o has not escaped sanction entirely.
The CAF Disciplinary Board found Eto’o guilty of violating the principles of ethics, integrity, and sportsmanship as stipulated in Article 2, paragraph 3 of the CAF Statutes. This breach pertained to Eto’o’s engagement in a Brand Ambassador contract with the betting company 1XBET, for which he received remuneration. This move was deemed incompatible with the ethical standards expected of individuals in his position.
In an official statement released on Thursday, CAF’s disciplinary board said:
“The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) Disciplinary Board sat on the matter of Fédération Camerounaise de Football (‘’FECAFOOT’’) President Mr Samuel Eto’o Fils.
“Mr. Eto’o was facing charges of alleged manipulation of football matches and violating the principles of ethics and integrity.
“The Disciplinary Board ruled that as it stands, there is insufficient proof to find Mr. Samuel Eto’o Fils and Mr. Valentin Nkwain guilty of match manipulation.
“However, the Disciplinary Board found Mr. Eto’o to have seriously violated the principles of ethics, integrity, and sportsmanship as provided in Article 2 paragraph 3 of the CAF Statutes by signing a Brand Ambassador contract with the company 1XBET in exchange for remuneration and consequently fined Mr. Eto’o an amount of 200,000 USD.”
Despite being cleared of the match-fixing charges, Eto’o was fined 200,000 USD (approximately ₦300 million) for the ethical violation. Since his appointment as FECAFOOT president in 2021, Eto’o’s administration has faced a series of controversies both on and off the pitch.
