Samuel Eto'o, the renowned former footballer and current president of Cameroon's football federation, has been urged to step down from his position due to alleged "grave irregularities" within the organization.
The Amateur Clubs' Association of Cameroon (ACFAC) recently conducted a vote, with 11 out of 12 clubs in favor of Eto'o's resignation. ACFAC emphasized that if Eto'o truly cares for Cameroonian football, as he has always claimed, he should willingly step aside.
ACFAC has called for intervention from Cameroon's sports minister and even raised the possibility of involving FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the matter.
The association outlined various concerns, including the controversial extension of the Fecafoot president's mandate from four to seven years, which it deemed contrary to statutory regulations. ACFAC also criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the publication of new statutes adopted in August of the previous year.
Additionally, questions were raised regarding Eto'o's involvement in an ambassadorial role with a sports betting company, potentially violating both FIFA and Fecafoot regulations. FIFA's code prohibits individuals bound by it from participating in any form of betting or gambling related to football activities.
Sanctions for violating the ethics code can include fines or even bans from football. However, it remains unclear whether Eto'o personally benefits financially from his association with the company.
In late June, UMS de Loum, a prominent Cameroonian club, requested that Fecafoot investigate the matter. The club also brought it to the attention of both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
It is worth noting that Fecafoot has entered into a sponsorship agreement with the same betting company to support the men's and women's national teams, as well as the top two divisions of Cameroon's football league.
