AFCON 2025: CAF Suspends Samuel Eto’o Imposes $20000 Fine

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Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) president Samuel Eto’o has been handed a four-match suspension and a $20,000 fine by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following issues connected to Cameroon’s quarter-final defeat to Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

FECAFOOT confirmed on Wednesday that it had received the verdict from CAF’s disciplinary committee but questioned the rationale behind the punishment.

In its statement, the federation expressed concerns about the process used to reach the decision.

“FECAFOOT notes that the fast-tracked procedure leading to this ruling raises serious concerns about the fundamental standards required for a fair hearing,” the statement read, adding that the decision “provides no clear explanation or justification.”

The sanctions stem from incidents after Cameroon’s 2–0 loss to Morocco in the quarter-finals. CAF had previously announced investigations into match incidents from Cameroon vs. Morocco and Algeria vs. Nigeria, though it did not initially specify any wrongdoing.

Attention soon shifted to Eto’o’s behaviour in the stands during the match. The former striker was captured on camera reacting angrily to a controversial moment involving forward Bryan Mbeumo.

Television images showed Eto’o making animated gestures from the VIP section toward Moroccan FA president Fouzi Lekjaa, with CAF president Patrice Motsepe also present.

The four-match suspension means Eto’o will be prohibited from attending Cameroon’s next official CAF-sanctioned matches. The financial penalty—equivalent to around 11 million CFA francs—also takes immediate effect.

Responding from Yaoundé, FECAFOOT reiterated its support for its embattled president.

“FECAFOOT reaffirms its full support for its president and its dedication to principles that ensure credible disciplinary justice,” the federation stated, noting that it will pursue legal avenues available within the permitted timeframe.

This latest development adds to the ongoing disciplinary challenges surrounding Eto’o. In September 2024, the FIFA Disciplinary Commission suspended him for six months, preventing him from attending any Cameroon national team fixtures until March 31, 2025.