CAF hits Samuel Eto’o with four-match AFCON ban following Morocco quarter-final misconduct

Confederation of African Football (CAF) have handed Samuel Eto’o a four-match ban following disciplinary proceedings stemming from Cameroon’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final defeat to Morocco.

The sanction was imposed after CAF’s Disciplinary Board found the Cameroonian Football Federation president guilty of misconduct during the TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 fixture in Rabat.

Eto’o was ruled to have violated CAF statutes relating to sportsmanship, leading to a stadium ban covering Cameroon’s next four official AFCON matches.

The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker was also fined $20,000 as part of the decision, which CAF confirmed in a brief statement released on Wednesday.

CAF declined to provide further detail on the specific incident, stating only that no additional comment would be made on the matter.

The governing body had earlier confirmed it was investigating “unacceptable behaviour” during the quarter-final matches involving Cameroon against Morocco and Nigeria against Algeria.

While CAF did not publicly identify the precise flashpoint, Eto’o was seen gesturing angrily in the direction of Royal Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa during the match.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe was also seated nearby at the time of the incident, which drew attention both inside the stadium and on social media.

Cameroon were beaten 2-0 by tournament hosts Morocco after goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari either side of half-time.

Morocco went on to defeat Nigeria in the semi-finals and will face Senegal in Sunday’s final.

The Cameroonian Football Federation, known as FECAFOOT, reacted strongly to CAF’s ruling and questioned both its substance and process.

In an official statement, FECAFOOT said the decision “is devoid of any explicit motivation” and raised concerns over the expedited nature of the proceedings.

The federation added that the process failed to meet fundamental requirements of fairness expected within disciplinary justice.

FECAFOOT confirmed that Eto’o intends to exercise his right of appeal through the appropriate legal channels within the prescribed timeframe.

The federation also reiterated its “unwavering support” for its president and its commitment to a credible disciplinary system.

Eto’o, 44, has served as FECAFOOT president since 2021 and has been a prominent and often outspoken figure in African football governance.

His tenure has included repeated public clashes with officials and institutions, drawing both praise for reformist ambition and criticism for confrontational conduct.

CAF’s ruling means Eto’o will be barred from stadium access for the remainder of Cameroon’s AFCON campaign.

The decision represents one of the most high-profile disciplinary actions taken against a senior football administrator at the tournament.

With appeals expected, the episode is likely to remain a major talking point within African football circles in the coming weeks.