In a statement released on Thursday, the Confederation of
African Football (CAF) announced that Samuel Eto’o is facing allegations of
match manipulation and violations of ethical and integrity principles.
The organization imposed a significant financial penalty of
$200,000 on the previous Barcelona striker.
The statement titled, ‘CAF Disciplinary Board outcome on
FECAFOOT President Samuel Eto’o Fils, partly read, “The Confédération Africaine
de Football (“CAF”) Disciplinary Board sat on the matter of Fédération
Camerounaise de Football (‘’FECAFOOT’’) President Mr Samuel Eto’o Fils.”
“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.”
Ever since assuming the role of President of Cameroon FA in
2021, Eto’o has been involved in a series of controversies. One notable
incident occurred when he was recorded assaulting a cameraman outside a stadium
during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
In the subsequent year, an investigation was initiated by
the CAF due to allegations of inappropriate behavior, prompted by concerns
raised by various stakeholders within Cameroonian football.