The fall from grace continues for one of Africa’s greatest sons. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed Samuel Eto’o, the President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), a humiliating four-match ban following his conduct during the ongoing AFCON 2025 tournament.

The decision by CAF’s disciplinary board effectively bars Eto’o from attending the final stages of the competition in Morocco. The ban stems from a fiery altercation in the VIP tunnel after Cameroon’s Round of 16 exit, where Eto’o was captured on camera aggressively confronting match officials, accusing them of bias against the Indomitable Lions.

"Violation of Decorum"

In a tersely worded statement, CAF described Eto’o’s behavior as a "flagrant violation of decorum and fair play." The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker was also fined $20,000 (approx. KES 3.2 million). "Leadership requires restraint," a CAF spokesperson noted. "Mr. Eto’o is a global ambassador for our game; his actions must reflect the dignity of his office."

This is not Eto’o’s first brush with controversy since trading his boots for a suit. His tenure at FECAFOOT has been marred by allegations of match-fixing in the domestic league and a public feud with the Ministry of Sports back in Yaoundé. This international sanction, however, is a new low, stripping him of his diplomatic immunity within the football family.

• The Fallout: The ban is a massive blow to Eto’o’s political capital. It isolates him just as he seeks to consolidate power back home. Critics in Cameroon are already calling for his resignation, arguing that he has become a liability to the national team.
• The Irony: Eto’o, a four-time African Player of the Year, is now persona non grata at the very tournament he once dominated on the pitch. As dignitaries gather for the final in Tangier this Sunday, the most famous face in Cameroonian football will be conspicuously absent—locked out by the very institution he seeks to lead.