Former FC Barcelona star and current president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto’o, is facing serious consequences following allegations of match-fixing.
CAF summoned Eto’o for a hearing at its headquarters in Egypt on Tuesday to address accusations of corruption and match manipulation.
The accusations involve Eto’o allegedly aiding Cameroonian club Victoria United in securing promotion from the second tier to the top flight. While the findings of the investigation have not yet been released, Eto’o was expected to provide evidence to refute the claims.
If found guilty, Eto’o could face severe penalties from both CAF and FIFA. According to article 154 of the CAF disciplinary code, anyone who conspires to alter the result of a match in a manner inconsistent with sporting ethics faces a match suspension, a minimum fine of $10,000, and a potential lifetime ban from football-related activities in serious cases.
Similarly, article 20, paragraph 1 of the FIFA disciplinary code stipulates that anyone who illegally influences or manipulates any aspect of a match or competition, or conspires to do so, faces a ban of at least five years from football activities and a fine of at least CHF 100,000. In severe cases, the ban could extend to life.
amuel Eto’o facing potential lifetime ban
Prominent Cameroonian executive Albert Eloundou Onana commented on the gravity of the situation: “It’s really a shame what’s happening in our football and especially for Samuel Eto’o. Less than two years ago, he arrived as a saviour at the head of this FECAFOOT. But what happened in the meantime? We have had too many scandals.”
Onana also questioned Eto’o’s decisions: “How did he sign with this company without consulting his lawyers in light of the texts? Today, these posts were deleted from his accounts. This shows that there is a problem.”
He added, “I hope the audio that broke mid-season was fake. He must surround himself with people who can tell him when there is a problem so that he can fix it. The accusations are very serious, in my opinion.”
As the investigation continues, the football community awaits the verdict with bated breath, aware of the significant implications it could have for Eto’o’s career and reputation.