Samuel Eto’o breaks silence, gives hope albeit pressuring challenges

The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) President, Samuel Eto’o Fils, has broken the silence and given hope to his supporters amidst a series of hurdles affecting the smooth running of the football powerhouse in recent times.

In a rare social media post on his official accounts, the FECAFOOT boss reassured his supporters and Cameroonians in general of his strong will to successfully steer the Cameroonian football ship to the shores of greatness.

This mission, which he took up in December 2021, must be accomplished by the grace of God despite challenges.

Eto’o as patriot

Eto’o told Cameroonians on social media: “My name is Samuel Eto’o Fils. I am Cameroonian from here, from elsewhere, from every millimeter of the ‘Continent.'”

He continued: “The sap of all our identities flows in my veins. I have even been raised to the dignity of an ‘African soldier’ by Nelson Mandela”.

With the peace and serenity of those who support him in his project, Eto’o stressed that he would restore all the greatness of Cameroonian football.
Eto’o has in the past few weeks suffered severe setbacks, as CAF earlier this month announced an ongoing investigation into his conduct following multiple complaints from football stakeholders in Cameroon.

This was followed up by a recent ruling from the Court of Arbitrary for Sports, overturning several decisions of her general assembly; including the dissolution of the professional football league, the dismissal of an exco member, and the sanctioning of Panther FC of Nde, amongst others.

“We endure the violence of adversity, but let’s not give in to it. We will stumble in front of obstacles, but we will keep moving forward,” Eto’o reassured Cameroonians.

He insisted that “If we happen to fall, God will give us the strength to rise and move forward”.

“Our intentions are noble;

Our strength is our faith in a better future for our young footballers. We will achieve this with the help of Cameroonians from Mokolo to Yabassi, from Foumban to Tongolo, from Akonolinga to Bamougoum, passing through Bokito, and even through Pitoa. Strength and courage to you, my friends. May God bless all of you. Thank you.”

Amid troubled waters

Recently, Samuel Eto’o Fils has had to deal with some tough scandals ranging from alleged corruption, match-fixing claims, the nondisclosure of FECAFOOT’s financial deals, and public interference in football matters.

These led several stakeholders to file a challenge at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, whose latest verdicts also overturned a series of decisions and reinstated some officials equally fired by Samuel Eto’o Fils upon his ascendency at FECAFOOT.

Among the decisions overturned by CAS, was the annulment of the sanctions against Panthere Sportif du Nde, who were relegated and fined last football season for match-fixing allegations. CAS also annulled all the resolutions of the FECAFOOT general assembly on August 27, 2022.

Among the resolutions was the dismissal of the FECAFOOT General Assembly Executive, Guibai Gatama. The Cameroon Professional Football League, which had also been dissolved, has been reinstated with General Pierre Semengue as its president.

While waiting for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to make a decision on the alleged inappropriate conduct by Eto’o, the four-time African footballer has been asked to resign by some of the club presidents who voted for him.