FIFA bans Samuel Eto’o from national team games for 6 months

Cameroon football legend Samuel Eto’o was banned by FIFA on Monday from attending national team matches for six months.

Eto’o, who has been president of the Cameroon Football Federation since 2021, faced two charges related to an incident during the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia on September 11.

Although FIFA did not provide specific details about the incident, it happened during a match in which Brazil defeated Cameroon 3-1 after extra time in the Round of 16.

According to FIFA, Eto’o violated disciplinary rules related to “offensive behavior” and “misconduct of officials,” as well as breaching principles of fair play.

As part of the ban, Eto’o is prohibited from attending men’s and women’s matches involving Cameroon’s teams at all levels, FIFA said. This includes key games such as the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which take place during his ban.

Eto’o, 43, is one of Africa’s most celebrated players. He represented Cameroon in four World Cups (1998-2014) and scored a record 56 goals for the Indomitable Lions. He was also part of two Africa Cup of Nations-winning teams in 2000 and 2002. Throughout his career, he won three UEFA Champions League titles, two with Barcelona and one with Inter Milan, solidifying his reputation as one of football’s top forwards.