Samuel Eto’o has cemented his place in African football governance after being elected unopposed to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee. The decision, announced on Wednesday during CAF’s extraordinary general assembly in Cairo, marks a significant turnaround for the former Cameroon international, who only days ago was facing exclusion due to an ethics-related ban.
Eto’o’s candidacy was made possible after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) lifted a CAF-imposed ban that had prevented him from running. The ruling, which came just last week, reinstated his eligibility and paved the way for his elevation to one of the most powerful decision-making bodies in African football. The 44-year-old, who currently serves as the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), was the sole candidate from the Central African region, securing his election without opposition.
His recent legal victory at CAS overturned sanctions that had initially barred him due to an alleged breach of ethical guidelines. CAF had penalized Eto’o for his involvement as a brand ambassador for a betting company, a decision that also came with a $200,000 fine. However, CAS ruled in his favor, allowing him to reclaim his influence in football administration.
Eto’o’s election to the CAF Executive Committee represents a dramatic comeback for the former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker, whose leadership at FECAFOOT has been both influential and controversial. Despite his legendary status on the field, his tenure as the head of Cameroonian football has been marked by governance disputes, allegations of misconduct, and occasional clashes with football authorities.
This is not the first time Eto’o has found himself at the center of controversy. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, he was caught on camera assaulting a football fan outside a stadium, an incident that drew widespread criticism. Additionally, FIFA imposed a six-month ban preventing him from attending national team matches due to internal conflicts within FECAFOOT.
Despite these setbacks, Eto’o remains one of Africa’s most revered football figures. His achievements include winning three UEFA Champions League titles, four African Footballer of the Year awards, and playing a key role in Cameroon’s triumphs at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the Africa Cup of Nations in 2000 and 2002. His election to CAF’s top administrative body solidifies his transition from an iconic player to a power broker in African football governance.
Later in the day, CAF president Patrice Motsepe is expected to be re-elected unopposed for a second term, further shaping the leadership landscape of African football.
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