AFCON 2025: CAF overturns Samuel Eto’o’s stadium ban, $20,000 fine

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has overturned the four-match stadium ban and $20,000 fine imposed on Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) president Samuel Eto’o following his conduct during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In a statement, FECAFOOT confirmed that CAF’s Appeals Jury, sitting on August 5, annulled “all legal effects” of the disciplinary sanctions previously handed down against the former Cameroon captain.

Read Also: AFCON 2025: CAF bans Samuel Eto’o over Cameroon–Morocco clash

Appeal overturns disciplinary sanctions

Eto’o was sanctioned by CAF’s Disciplinary Board in January over his conduct during Cameroon’s 2-0 quarter-final defeat to Morocco at the 2025 AFCON.

The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker was found to have breached CAF’s principles of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship after expressing frustration over refereeing decisions during the match.

CAF subsequently handed Eto’o a four-match stadium ban covering official confederation fixtures and imposed a $20,000 fine.

However, following an appeal by FECAFOOT, the sanctions have now been completely overturned.

FECAFOOT welcomes CAF ruling

Reacting to the decision, FECAFOOT said it welcomed the Appeals Jury’s verdict and praised its president for pursuing the appeal through the appropriate legal channels.

“FECAFOOT acknowledges the decision of its president to exercise, within the prescribed time limits and procedures, the appeals processes provided for by the applicable regulations,” the federation said.

The federation reiterated its full support for Eto’o while reaffirming its commitment to justice, due process and fair sporting discipline.

Confidence in CAF judicial process

FECAFOOT said the ruling demonstrated the Appeals Jury’s independence and commitment to applying CAF’s regulations objectively.

The Cameroonian federation also reaffirmed its confidence in CAF’s judicial bodies, commending their determination to uphold legality and fairness in disciplinary proceedings.

The decision brings an end to the disciplinary case that followed Cameroon’s quarter-final exit to Morocco at the continental championship.

Eto’o begins new FECAFOOT mandate

The ruling comes months after Eto’o secured a second term as president of FECAFOOT following his re-election in November 2025.

The four-time African Player of the Year, who first assumed office in 2021, will now continue his second four-year mandate, keeping him at the helm of Cameroonian football until 2029.