THE president of Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) Samuel Eto’o has been fined heavily by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for ethical breaches.
The ex-international and four-time African Player of the Year has however been cleared of allegations of engaging in match-fixing due to ‘insufficient proof’.
CAF took issue with former Indomitable Lions and Barcelona striker Eto’o’s paid sponsorship deal with betting firm 1XBet, ruling that it is against the continental governing body’s statutes.
“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 body announced in an official statement tonight.
“Mr Eto’o was facing charges of alleged manipulation of football matches and violating the principles of ethics and integrity.
“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.”
The controversial Eto’o, 43, became FECAFOOT president in December 2021 after a successful playing career during which he won two Africa Cup of Nations titles with his country (2000 and 2002) and three UEFA Champions League trophies (two with Barcelona and one with Inter Milan) as well as several league titles in Spain and Italy.
