Samuel Eto'o faces serious allegations of corruption, match-fixing, and misappropriation of funds as president of the Cameroonian Football Federation.

Samuel Eto'o under fire: accusations that are threatening his career

Samuel Eto'o, one of the most iconic strikers in the history of Barcelona, Inter Milan, and the Cameroon national team, is now facing a very different situation from his years on the field. Since taking over as president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) in December 2021, he has been embroiled in a web of accusations ranging from corruption and match-fixing to tax fraud and conflicts of interest.

The case has escalated beyond Cameroon, involving bodies such as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, reflecting the magnitude of the problem and the impact it could have on the future of Cameroonian soccer.

The most serious accusations

The allegations against Eto'o are numerous and varied. Among the most notable are:

Match fixing: He is accused of interfering in second and third division matches in Cameroon, including manipulating results to favor the Victoria United club.

Tax fraud in Spain: A suspended sentence for tax evasion of nearly $4.4 million.

Conflicts of interest: His relationship with the betting company 1xBet, which earned him a $200,000 fine from CAF in 2024.

Misappropriation of funds: The alleged diversion of $1.5 million from international friendly matches to private accounts in Qatar.

Election manipulation: Allegations of fraud during the elections that led to his presidency of FECAFOOT.

These allegations have been backed up by recordings, messages, and testimonies from key figures in Cameroonian soccer, such as former vice president Henry Njalla Quan Junior.

Legal action in progress

Complaints have been filed on multiple fronts, including with the Cameroonian Ministry of Sports, the FIFA Ethics Committee, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF)

International lawyer Emmanuel Nsahlai, who leads the coalition of complainants, asserts that the evidence is compelling and that this is not an attack on Eto'o's sporting legacy, but rather on his questionable management as a leader.

Consequences for Eto'o and Cameroon

If the accusations are upheld, Eto'o could not only face personal sanctions, ranging from disqualification from sporting positions to possible criminal convictions, but Cameroonian soccer also runs a greater risk: being excluded from the 2026 World Cup for lack of institutional integrity.
Eto'o has defended his innocence, claiming that it is all part of a “campaign against him,” but the truth is that the accumulated evidence is putting increasing pressure on his administration.