Samuel Eto’o Rejects Embezzlement Allegations as ‘Smear Campaign’

YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon — Cameroon football federation president Samuel Eto’o has rejected allegations of embezzlement involving more than €560,000, describing the claims as part of a smear campaign against him.

The allegations concern payments reportedly made by Russia following a friendly international between Russia and Cameroon in October 2023.

According to The Times, the money was transferred to a personal bank account belonging to Eto’o, who also serves as president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT).

Former federation officials have reportedly questioned what happened to the funds, saying they have been unable to locate accounting or banking records demonstrating that the money was subsequently transferred to the federation.

Former Officials Raise Questions

The former federation officials are reported to have referred the matter to FIFA’s ethics committee more than a year ago.

They say they have yet to receive a response regarding the complaint.

FIFA has denied allegations of political influence over its judicial bodies, while FECAFOOT has not publicly commented on the allegations.

The reported payments and their handling remain allegations, and no finding of wrongdoing against Eto’o has been established in the information cited.

Eto’o Denies Allegations

Eto’o strongly rejected the accusations in a statement published on Facebook, arguing that the claims were part of a broader campaign against him.

The former Barcelona and Cameroon striker said the allegations had emerged after he spoke publicly in defence of what he described as Cameroon’s interests and those of African football.

He accused his critics of promoting the same claims through journalists whom he characterised as being aligned with them.

According to Eto’o, the allegations demonstrate the type of campaign he has previously criticised.

Former Cameroon Star Defends African Football

Eto’o also used the statement to defend what he described as Africa’s right to speak openly and protect its interests within international football.

He said Africans should be able to express their views, defend their convictions and refuse to remain silent when they believe their interests are at stake.

The former striker added that African football should have the freedom to defend its interests and make its own decisions.

Eto’o's comments come amid continued scrutiny of his leadership of Cameroon football, with the former international star facing both domestic and international attention since taking charge of FECAFOOT.

For now, the allegations surrounding the reported €560,000 payment remain disputed, with Eto’o denying wrongdoing and the Cameroon federation yet to issue a public response.