Omanghana
Samuel Eto’o and the Cameroonian Football Federation have strongly rejected allegations that more than €560,000 connected to an international friendly against Russia was misappropriated.
The controversy concerns payments reportedly made by the Russian Football Union following Cameroon’s friendly match against Russia in October 2023.
Reports emerged after former FECAFOOT officials allegedly submitted complaints to FIFA’s ethics committee. They claimed that more than €560,000, including an initial transfer of approximately €455,000, was paid into a private bank account linked to Eto’o in Qatar instead of being sent directly to the federation’s official accounts.
Eto’o, who serves as FECAFOOT president, and the federation have denied any wrongdoing. They described the claims as part of a coordinated and politically motivated campaign intended to damage his reputation and undermine his administration.
FECAFOOT maintained that financial arrangements involving international friendly matches are not decided by Eto’o alone. According to the federation, such decisions are collectively approved by its Emergency Committee, which includes four vice-presidents.
Reports in Cameroon suggested that international banking restrictions affecting financial transactions linked to Russia made it necessary to use alternative payment arrangements. The funds were reportedly received through those channels before being transferred into FECAFOOT’s accounts.
Eto’o also responded through social media, claiming the allegations emerged in retaliation for his public defense of Cameroonian and African football interests.
The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker insisted that African football leaders have the right to express their views, protect the continent’s interests and defend the independence of its sporting institutions.
Neither Eto’o nor FECAFOOT has accepted the accusations, while the complaints reportedly submitted to FIFA’s ethics committee remain at the center of the dispute.
Source: Omanghana
