Eto'o banned for six months by FIFA for misconduct during U-20 Women’s World Cup

Cameroonian football legend Samuel Eto’o has been handed a six-month ban by FIFA for improper conduct during the Under-20 Women’s World Cup. The incident occurred during the Cameroon vs. Brazil round of 16 match held on September 11, 2024, in Bogotá, Colombia.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee sanctioned Eto’o, who currently serves as the president of the Cameroon Football Association (FECAFOOT), for breaching FIFA’s rules regarding offensive behavior and violations of fair play. As a result, Eto’o has been prohibited from attending matches involving any FECAFOOT teams, including both men’s and women’s national teams across all age categories.

According to FIFA’s official statement:
“The ban imposed on Mr. Eto’o prevents him from attending men’s and women’s matches involving FECAFOOT teams of all categories and age groups. The sanction is connected to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup round-of-16 match between Brazil and Cameroon.”

This is not the first time Eto’o has faced allegations of improper behavior. He has previously been accused of threatening players and the Cameroon national team coach Marc Brys. Additionally, he was involved in an altercation with a fan outside a stadium during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The ban, which took effect upon notification, is seen as a significant setback for Eto’o, raising concerns about his leadership at FECAFOOT and his future in football administration.