By Victor Kanayo
The President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has emerged victorious in his long-running legal battle with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which led to him being fined $200,000 for an ethics breach.
The appeal victory successfully overturned sanctions that had threatened his presidency at FECAFOOT.
CAF’s Appeals Board has ruled in his favour, stating that the disciplinary body had no jurisdiction over ethical matters, which should be handled exclusively by an independent panel.
CAF opened an investigation into Eto’o’s conduct in August 2023 after receiving “written statements from several Cameroonian football stakeholders.”
Meanwhile, Eto’o—Inter and Barcelona legend—has publicly backed Atalanta striker Ademola Lookman after criticism from his coach, Gian Piero Gasperini.
Gasperini had heavily criticised Lookman for missing a penalty kick in a 3-1 loss against Club Brugge, which saw them eliminated from the UEFA Champions League.
The Italian tactician was particularly harsh on the Nigerian star, saying that Lookman was “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever seen.
The Nigeria international responded the following day, stating that the comment was disrespectful.
Supporting the current African best footballer, the Cameroon legend wrote on his official Instagram account:
He wrote, “My young brother, memory in football lasts 90 minutes, the time of a match, and then it’s on to the next.
“For us, you are and will always be our champion. Only those who have the courage to take the shot can miss. Thank you for your courage, great champion.”
Aside from Eto’o, many African and global football greats, including fans, have rallied behind Lookman.
