The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has banned former Cameroon star and Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) president Samuel Eto'o following abuse during Cameroon's 2-0 defeat to Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final tie.
Eto'o was banned for four matches and fined $20,000 after being found guilty of misconduct by a CAF disciplinary panel.
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In a statement, CAF said its disciplinary board found Eto'o guilty of misconduct and “violating the principles of sporting spirit”, as outlined in the confederation's regulations, after the match.
FECAFOOT has rejected the decision. In a statement, the federation said CAF's decision “lacks any clear justification”, adding that “the rapid process leading to this decision raises serious concerns about the fundamental requirements of a fair process.”
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The statement concluded that Eto'o would appeal the ban.
Eto'o was also seen making angry gestures in reaction to some of the officials' decisions that resulted in the Indomitable Lions' exit from the tournament. CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who was present at the stadium in Rabat, witnessed Eto'o's reaction.
The sanctions have been imposed amid widespread debate and allegations on social media and in some fan circles that Morocco has benefited from favorable refereeing decisions as hosts of AFCON 2025.
Some commentators pointed to controversial calls in other matches, including Morocco's semi-final tie against Nigeria, which ended 0–0 after extra time before Morocco won in a penalty shootout.
