Samuel Eto’o faces CAF disciplinary hearing over match-fixing allegations
Cairo, June 25 – Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), is appearing before the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Jury in Cairo, facing serious charges of match-fixing, favoritism, and improper ties with a betting company.
Eto’o’s confidence in his innocence has led him to request a live broadcast of the hearing to ensure transparency.
The CAF launched an investigation in August 2023 after complaints from within Cameroonian football, highlighting recorded conversations between Eto’o and Valentin Nkwain, president of Victoria United, discussing a pivotal promotion match.
Eto’o also faces scrutiny over his partnership with betting company 1XBet since May 2023, where he promoted the company and encouraged his followers to use his promo code, “Papa Eto’o.”
This activity conflicts with his official role, and despite removing related posts, the controversy persists.
If found guilty, Eto’o risks losing his Fecafoot presidency and could face a five-year suspension under FIFA’s disciplinary code, which mandates severe penalties for anyone manipulating match outcomes.
Additionally, FIFA’s code of ethics prohibits football officials from any form of collaboration with betting companies, further endangering Eto’o’s position.
The outcome of this hearing is critical, potentially ending Eto’o’s tenure in football administration and influencing future governance in the sport.
