Samuel Eto’o’s attempt to continue as president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has hit a major obstacle after the Ministry of Sports blocked his candidacy for a second term.
During FECAFOOT’s recent Extraordinary General Assembly, Eto’o indicated he would consider running again, prompting speculation he was leaning toward seeking re-election.
The situation drew attention to FECAFOOT’s statutes, which were amended in November 2023 to remove disqualification clauses that might have barred Eto’o due to his 22-month suspended prison sentence in Spain for tax fraud in 2022. Previously, anyone with a custodial sentence longer than three months (without suspension) or six months (with suspension) was ineligible for office.
However, in a letter dated August 19, signed by Sports Ministry Secretary General Joseph Yerima, the government rejected the amended statutes, citing that they had never been validated. Yerima referenced Article 7 of Law No. 2018/014, stating that FECAFOOT statutes must undergo conformity checks by the Ministry to take effect.
As a result, only the statutes adopted on July 13, 2021, remain valid, effectively barring Eto’o from seeking re-election and leaving his future at FECAFOOT uncertain.
Observers note, however, that Eto’o may attempt to challenge the Ministry’s decision, as he previously influenced CAF’s stance to allow his Executive Committee candidacy despite legal challenges.
The ruling raises questions about governance and legal compliance within Cameroonian football as Eto’o’s next moves remain closely watched by fans and officials alike.
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