CAF Suspends Samuel Eto’o After Incident in AFCON Quarter-Final Loss to Morocco
By TUW
African football authorities have taken disciplinary action against Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), following an incident during the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final match between Cameroon and Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that Eto’o has been suspended for four matches and fined US$20,000 for conduct deemed inappropriate during Cameroon’s quarter-final defeat to tournament hosts Morocco. According to CAF, the incident occurred near the technical and VIP areas, where Eto’o allegedly made an angry gesture toward match officials in the presence of CAF president Patrice Motsepe.
Cameroon were eliminated from the tournament after losing the knockout match, which was played as part of the final eight stage of the competition. CAF said the sanction was issued in line with its disciplinary code, which governs behaviour of officials and administrators during sanctioned events.
FECAFOOT has acknowledged receiving the ruling but expressed dissatisfaction with the disciplinary process. In a statement, the federation said it believes the decision was reached without sufficient procedural fairness and announced plans to appeal the suspension and fine. FECAFOOT also reaffirmed its confidence in Eto’o’s leadership.
CAF has meanwhile indicated that it is reviewing other reported incidents from the tournament, including altercations involving players during high-pressure knockout matches.
As the competition reaches its conclusion, Morocco are set to face Senegal in the final, while Nigeria and Egypt will contest the third-place playoff, bringing the tournament to a close amid heightened scrutiny of conduct both on and off the pitch.
