The president of Fecafoot is the subject of an investigation by the Cameroonian police, who suspect him of having fixed several second division matches in order to promote a club, Victoria United. According to the Guardian investigation, other broader accusations of corruption within the federation could also target the current leader. Facts which could involve up to 40 people.
In a press release from those close to him, Samuel Eto’o defends himself by denouncing “defamatory” rumors. “Like any bold policy of change, it also arouses resistance from individuals ready to do anything to avoid losing their income from corruption. For several months, these people have chosen to orchestrate a campaign of malicious attacks against Mr. Eto’o.”
The press release does not stop there and states that: “These individuals are vainly trying to smear Mr. Eto’o in the stated hope of seeing him leave a position to which he was democratically elected on December 11, 2021. Mr. Eto’o will not allow itself to be tarnished with impunity by these attacks aimed at replacing the clear and free choice of the ballot box. He was reinforced by an open letter to the President of FIFA in response to those of the slanderers, signed by the real players in Cameroonian football. Before concluding: “To date, Mr. Eto’o has never been summoned or notified of the existence of any legal proceedings against him. In any event, if any investigation were to be opened, Mr. Eto’o would be intended to constitute himself as a victim and not as a defendant. With the determination that has always inhabited him, on the pitch as well as in his actions at the head of Fécafoot, Mr. Eto’o intends to continue his fight for footballers and field players in Cameroonian and African football.