CAF Appeals Committee Clears Eto'o, Wipes Out Stadium Ban And Fine

CAF appeals committee clears Etoo, wipes out stadium ban and fine (Image Source: IANS)

The CAF Appeals Board: The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has overturned all sanctions imposed on Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) president Samuel Eto'o Fils, FECAFOOT said in a statement.

The CAF Appeals Board on Wednesday evening set aside an earlier ruling relating to Match 46 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations between Cameroon and Morocco on January 9, 2026. The decision took effect immediately.

The CAF Disciplinary Board had previously found Eto'o in breach of the governing body's statutes on loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship, imposing a four-match ban from CAF stadiums and a fine of 20,000 U.S. dollars, reports Xinhua.

FECAFOOT welcomed the reversal, describing it as evidence of the Appeals Board's independence and commitment to impartial justice.

The federation also reaffirmed its confidence in CAF's judicial bodies, saying their handling of the case demonstrated a commitment to legality and fairness in African football.

African football's governing body CAF had imposed a 20,000 U.S. dollar fine and a four-game ban on Eto'o for allegedly misbehaving during his team's loss to Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal.

FECAFOOT confirmed the sanction in a statement released Wednesday night, stressing that the ruling "lacks any explicit justification".

The federation also pointed out that the disciplinary process was expedited and did not meet the standards of a fair trial.

"FECAFOOT acknowledges the decision of its president to exercise, within the prescribed time limits and procedures, the appeals processes provided for by the applicable regulations," the federation said, reiterating its full support for Eto'o and affirming its commitment to the principles of justice and fair sporting discipline.

Earlier, four-time African Player of the Year Samuel Eto'o was re-elected president of the Cameroon Football Federation in November 2025.

"FECAFOOT acknowledges the decision of its president to exercise, within the prescribed time limits and procedures, the appeals processes provided for by the applicable regulations," the federation said, reiterating its full support for Eto'o and affirming its commitment to the principles of justice and fair sporting discipline.

The Cameroon legend had a glittering club career, playing for the likes of Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea. He also helped Cameroon win two Africa Cup of Nations titles and an Olympic gold medal.

Article Source: IANS