Cameroon Soccer Legend Samuel Eto’o Banned by FIFA for Six Months
Samuel Eto’o, the former Cameroonian soccer star and current president of the Cameroon soccer federation, has been banned by FIFA from attending national team games for six months. The ban, which was announced on Monday, is a result of Eto’o’s alleged misconduct during the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia on September 11.
According to FIFA, Eto’o faced two charges related to his behavior during the tournament, which Cameroon lost 3-1 to Brazil in extra time. The exact details of the incident are unknown, as FIFA did not provide further information.
As a result of the ban, Eto’o will be unable to attend men’s and women’s matches involving Cameroon teams of all categories and age groups, including the national team’s qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Eto’o, who played for Cameroon at four World Cups from 1998 to 2014 and scored a record 56 goals for the Indomitable Lions, has a storied career as one of soccer’s top forwards. He won three Champions League titles, including back-to-back titles with Barcelona in 2009 and Inter Milan in 2010.
The 43-year-old Eto’o has been president of the Cameroon soccer federation since 2021 and has been involved in various controversies throughout his career. This latest ban is a significant setback for Eto’o, who has been a dominant force in African soccer for decades.
The ban is expected to have significant implications for Cameroon’s national team, as Eto’o was a key figure in the team’s recent performances. The team will have to adjust to playing without one of its most experienced and successful players, and the ban could have a negative impact on the team’s morale and performance.
Eto’o’s ban is a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and respect for the rules in competitive sports. While Eto’o has been a trailblazer for African soccer, his recent actions have raised questions about his character and leadership abilities.
The ban will remain in place until March, giving Eto’o time to reflect on his actions and reconsider his behavior. If Eto’o is unable to change his ways, it could have long-term implications for his career and his legacy in the world of soccer.
