CAF Fines Cameroon FA President Samuel Eto’o $200,000

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined the President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto’o, $200,000 for ethical breaches but found insufficient evidence to pursue match-fixing allegations.

CAF launched an investigation into Eto’o’s conduct last August after receiving “written statements from several Cameroonian football stakeholders.”

The CAF disciplinary panel found that the four-time African Player of the Year “seriously violated CAF’s ethical, integrity, and sportsmanship regulations” by signing an ambassadorial contract with the gambling company 1XBET.

Eto’o’s lawyers have stated their intention to appeal the decision.

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1XBET sponsors the top two tiers of professional men’s football in Cameroon, as well as the international men’s and women’s teams. FIFA regulations prohibit individuals under its jurisdiction from engaging in gambling.

Last July, a group representing non-playing football clubs in Cameroon called for Eto’o’s resignation, expressing concerns about the 43-year-old’s relationship with 1XBET and his continued leadership of the Cameroon Football Federation.

While Eto’o has been found guilty of ethical violations by CAF, he has avoided penalties related to match-fixing, with the disciplinary panel citing a lack of sufficient evidence.

The former Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea striker was being investigated along with Valentine Nkwain, President of the newly promoted Victoria United, following a phone conversation between the two discussing Victoria’s return to the top league before their promotion was secured.

Both individuals have previously denied involvement in any match-fixing schemes.