FIFA Bans Samuel Eto’o

The global football governing body, FIFA, has imposed a six-month ban on the President of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto’o, from all football-related activities.

The FIFA disciplinary panel announced the decision on its official website on Monday, September 30, 2024, after Eto’o was found guilty of violating fair play regulations and player misconduct. As a result, Eto’o will be prohibited from attending any matches involving Cameroon’s national men’s and women’s teams during the ban period.

Why did FIFA ban Samuel Eto’o?

Samuel Eto’o was sanctioned by FIFA following breaches of two articles of the world governing body’s disciplinary code. The incident occurred at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup last-16 game between Cameroon and Brazil on 11 September which the South Americans won 3-1 after extra time.

The statement said, articles relating to offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play and misconduct of players and officials were breached at the game in Bogota, Colombia, which Eto’o attended.

“The sanction was imposed in connection with the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ round-of-16 match between Brazil and Cameroon played in Bogotá, Colombia, on 11 September 2024. The ban imposed on Mr. Eto’o prevents him from attending men’s and women’s matches involving (Cameroon) teams of all categories and age groups. Mr Eto’o has been notified today, the date on which the sanction comes into force.

Fifa said the sanction would come begin immediately, they also confirmed that Eto’o had been notified of the decision. The first set of games he will be missing isCameroon’s men face Kenya in a qualification double-header for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in October 2024.