Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), is facing the possibility of a lifetime ban due to allegations of match-fixing. Eto’o has been summoned to a hearing at the CAF headquarters in Egypt to address accusations that he assisted Cameroonian club Victoria United in securing promotion from the second tier to the top flight.

The investigation’s findings have not yet been disclosed, but the former FC Barcelona striker is expected to present evidence to refute the claims. If found guilty, Eto’o could face severe consequences from both CAF and FIFA. According to Article 154 of the CAF disciplinary code, anyone who conspires to manipulate the result of a match in a manner inconsistent with sporting ethics will be punished with a match suspension and a minimum fine of $10,000. In serious cases, this sanction can result in a lifetime ban from all football-related activities.

Similarly, Article 20, Paragraph 1 of the FIFA disciplinary code states that anyone who illegally influences or manipulates the progress, result, or any aspect of a match or competition can be banned for at least five years and fined at least CHF 100,000. In serious cases, the ban can be extended to a lifetime prohibition from football activities.

The timing of the verdict remains uncertain, but the situation is severe. Prominent Cameroonian executive Albert Eloundou Onana expressed his concerns, stating, “It’s really a shame what’s happening in our football and especially for Samuel Eto’o. Less than two years ago, he arrived as a savior at the head of this FECAFOOT. But what happened in the meantime? We have had too many scandals.”

Onana added, “How did he sign with this company without consulting his lawyers in light of the texts? Today, these posts were deleted from his accounts. This shows that there is a problem. I hope the audio that broke mid-season was fake. He must surround himself with people who can tell him when there is a problem so that he can fix it. The accusations are very serious, in my opinion.”