2024-07-05 16:23:25
The recent decision of the Ethics Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) concerning Samuel Eto’o raises many questions. The former star striker, now president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), was fined $200,000 for violating the code of ethics. However, this sanction seems very light in light of the texts in force.
A controversial decision
CAF has found Samuel Eto’o guilty of engaging in sports betting activities, a practice strictly prohibited for football officials. However, the sanction imposed appears to ignore the provisions of Article 27 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, which CAF is supposed to enforce.
According to this article, any violation related to sports betting must be sanctioned by “a fine of at least 100,000 Swiss francs, as well as a ban on any football-related activity for up to three years.” However, the CAF decision does not mention any suspension.
Suspicions of corruption and external intervention
Sources close to the case, cited by whistleblower Paul Chouta, mention pressure being exerted on members of the jury of the Disciplinary Commission. Envelopes were allegedly circulated, and false documents were even produced to influence the decision.
Even more disturbing, several African heads of state are said to have acted behind the scenes to ” sauver » Eto’o. FIFA president Gianni Infantino is also cited as having played a role in the affair.
A troubled past resurfaces
The case revives memories of Eto’o’s controversial role in the ouster of former CAF president Issa Hayatou. Manoeuvres involving the current FECAFOOT president and Infantino are said to have contributed to Ahmad Ahmad’s arrival at the head of the African body.
What credibility for African football?
CAF’s decision raises serious questions about the integrity and credibility of African football. How can such leniency be justified towards an official found guilty of ethical violations?
𝗟𝗲 𝗧𝗴𝘃 𝗱𝗲 𝗹’𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼 reports that CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba expressed their incomprehension over the decision. They even warned the jury members of the potential consequences for CAF’s image.
An inevitable recourse?
It is highly likely that this decision will be the subject of an appeal, either before the CAF Appeals Committee or directly before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
In the meantime, many voices are being raised to demand Eto’o’s resignation from the presidency of FECAFOOT. The image of Cameroonian football, and more broadly African football, is at stake.
This case could well mark a turning point in the governance of continental football. It remains to be seen whether transparency and ethics will prevail over power games and personal interests.