CAF Bans Cameroon Football President, Imposes $20,000 Fine

Cameroonian Football Federation president Samuel Eto’o has been suspended for four matches and fined $20,000 after being found guilty of misconduct during Cameroon’s loss to Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

 The Confederation of African Football (CAF), in a statement released Thursday, said its Disciplinary Board sanctioned Eto’o for violating CAF statutes during the quarterfinal played in Rabat on January 9.

“The CAF Disciplinary Board found Mr Eto’o guilty of violating the principles of sportsmanship set out in Article 2(3) of the CAF Statutes and Article 82 of the CAF Disciplinary Code for his misconduct during the said match,” CAF said.

As part of the ruling, CAF imposed a stadium ban barring Eto’o from attending the next four official CAF matches played in the context of the tournament, in addition to a $20,000 fine.

“The CAF Disciplinary Board imposed a stadium ban on Mr Samuel Eto’o Fils for the next four (4) official CAF matches played in the context of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025. The CAF DC also imposed a fine of USD 20,000.”

CAF said it would make no further comment on the matter.

The disciplinary action follows incidents during the match in which Eto’o was reportedly seen making angry gestures in protest of refereeing decisions. The exchange took place in the presence of CAF president Patrice Motsepe, with Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa also nearby.

CAF had earlier confirmed it opened investigations into violent confrontations and other incidents during recent AFCON matches, including clashes involving players from both Cameroon and Morocco.

Reacting to the sanction, the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) said it had taken note of the decision but that it “lacks any explicit justification”.

FECAFOOT added that the expedited procedure leading to this decision raises serious concerns about the fundamental requirements of a fair trial and that it fully supports Eto’o.

“FECAFOOT further notes that the expedited procedure leading to this decision raises serious concerns regarding the fundamental requirements of a fair trial,” the federation stated.

“FECAFOOT reaffirms its unwavering support for its president and its commitment to upholding the principles governing credible disciplinary justice.”