The AFCON 2025 has once again been engulfed in controversy following a disciplinary decision that sent shockwaves through African football. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Committee imposed a severe sanction on Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation, after his conduct during one of the most heated moments of the tournament being held in Morocco.

The former striker, widely regarded as one of the greatest legends the continent has produced, was involved in a series of forceful protests from the VIP box, directing his complaints at both officials from the Moroccan federation and senior CAF executives. The scene drew widespread attention and ultimately led to a punishment that has sharply divided opinion across the African football landscape.

Firm Punishment for a Historic Figure

CAF ruled that Samuel Eto’o will be barred from the VIP box for four matches and fined close to €17,000. The decision aims to set a clear precedent regarding the conduct of federation leaders, regardless of their status or legacy within the game.

For some observers, the sanction sends a strong message about authority and discipline within the competition. For others, it comes at a particularly sensitive time, amid growing criticism over alleged officiating decisions favoring the host nation and regulatory calls that have unsettled several teams.

Senegal, the Final, and Unwiped Yellow Cards

The controversy deepened with the situation surrounding Senegal, who will contest the final without two crucial players. Kalidou Koulibaly and Habib Diarra, key figures in defense and midfield, were suspended after accumulating yellow cards, having been booked in the semifinals.

CAF chose not to apply the commonly used rule of wiping yellow cards after the quarterfinal stage, a practice seen in most major international tournaments. That decision left Senegal without two automatic starters for the decisive match—ironically against Morocco—further fueling debate about competitive balance in the tournament.

A Tournament Under the Microscope

While AFCON 2025 has delivered memorable moments on the pitch, it has also been overshadowed by off-field decisions that have generated significant controversy. The sanction imposed on Samuel Eto’o and the high-profile absences for Senegal underline a tournament charged with tension, where disciplinary rulings have taken center stage.

With the final just around the corner, CAF now faces the challenge of restoring confidence and ensuring that the tournament’s conclusion is defined by football rather than controversy.

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