FIFA Bans Samuel Eto'o for Six Months Over Disciplinary Violations

By Redson Kandozi 

Cameroonian football legend Samuel Eto'o has been handed a six-month ban by FIFA, restricting him from attending any national team matches. The ban, announced on Monday, stems from an incident during the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Colombia on September 11.

Eto’o, who has served as the president of the Cameroon Football Federation since 2021, was charged with two disciplinary violations. However, FIFA has not provided specific details regarding the events that unfolded during the round of 16 match, where Brazil defeated Cameroon 3-1 after extra time.

According to FIFA, Eto’o was found to have breached disciplinary rules related to "offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play" as well as misconduct involving officials. The ban prevents him from attending both men's and women's matches involving Cameroonian teams across all age categories.

The ban, which will last until March, includes key fixtures for the men’s national team, such as the qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Eto'o, 43, is one of Cameroon’s greatest footballers, having represented the nation in four World Cups between 1998 and 2014, scoring a record 56 goals for the Indomitable Lions. He was also part of two Africa Cup of Nations title-winning squads in 2000 and 2002. Eto’o’s illustrious career includes three Champions League titles, notably winning consecutively in 2009 with Barcelona and 2010 with Inter Milan.