Eto’o handed ban and fine for misconduct at 2025 AFCON

Former Cameroon star Samuel Eto’o has been handed a four-match ban and fined $20,000 (£14,960) after being found guilty of misconduct by a Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplinary panel.

In a statement, CAF said Eto’o—now president of Cameroon’s football federation (FECAFOOT)—violated the organisation’s principles of sportsmanship during the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final between Cameroon and hosts Morocco.

The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker was reportedly seen making angry gestures in reaction to several officiating decisions as the Indomitable Lions lost 2–0 to Morocco. CAF president Patrice Motsepe, who was present at the stadium in Rabat, is understood to have witnessed Eto’o’s visible frustration.

Earlier this week, CAF announced it had opened an investigation into what it described as “violent confrontations and unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials” during the quarter-final matches.

In response, FECAFOOT rejected CAF’s decision, stating that the disciplinary process “raises serious reservations about the fundamental requirements of a fair trial.” The federation later issued a statement expressing full support for its president and indicated that Eto’o is likely to appeal against the sanction.

Since assuming office in 2021, Eto’o’s tenure as FECAFOOT president has been marked by controversy, with allegations ranging from improper conduct to administrative irregularities. Some stakeholders within Cameroonian football have raised concerns about governance under his leadership.

Eto’o has consistently dismissed the accusations, pointing instead to reforms and achievements he says have been made during his time at the helm of the federation.