Samuel Eto'o: Why FECAFOOT Rejected President's Resignation Despite Controversies

• Samuel Eto'o will continue as president of FECAFOOT
• The ex-Barcelona star's resignation has been rejected
• Cameroon was eliminated from AFCON by Nigeria

Samuel Eto'o's decision to resign as president of the Cameroonian Football Federation has been unanimously rejected by the Executive Council of FECAFOOT.

Following the Indomitable Lions' Round of 16 Africa Cup of Nations exit, the former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker has come under intense pressure from followers of Cameroonian football.

The two-time African champion decided to end his reign as boss of the federation just three years after assuming office.

The legend's time as president of FECAFOOT has been shrouded with controversy after controversy, with members of the country's football league sending petitions for his removal as the head of the federation.

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The controversies

A week ago, the legendary footballer was accused of match-fixing, physical threats and inciting violence, as reported by The Athletic. According to the publication, a file has been sent to the FIFA Ethics Committee for an investigation into Eto'o behaviour as president.

Meanwhile, CAF has already been investigating the former football after 'serious' allegations were raised against his conduct towards officials of FECAFOOT.

Eto'o recently signed an ambassadorial deal with a betting company, which one member of the federation insists violates the federation's code.

In 2022, Eto'o had an altercation with an Algerian blogger during the World Cup in Qatar, leading to a bizarre sight. Members of the federation were left fuming by his act, with many calling for his immediate resignation.

However, Eto'o went on to lead the FA.

At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, Eto'o allegedly refused former Cameroon captain, Geremi Njitap from meeting the players after their victory over Gambia in the final Group C match.

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And to make matters worse, his relationship with players of the national team, in particular Andre Onana has grown frosty. It is also believed that his presence around the team led to the premature retirement of forward Karl Toko Ekambi.

Why FECAFOOT refused Eto'o's resignation

Despite the growing controversies, the Executive Council believes the 42-year-old is the right man to lead the federation.

A statement from the federation read: “At the end of discussions and subsequent deliberations, the members of the executive committee decided to maintain their current mandates and thus unanimously rejected the president’s resignation thereby renewing their confidence in him to continue with the same spirit of reconstruction and development of Cameroon football at all levels as envisaged in his plan adopted by the elective general assembly of Dec. 11, 2021."

Eto'o will continue as president until he is voted out of office in the next election.

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Eto'o accused of match-fixing in Cameroon

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Samuel Eto'o has been accused of match-fixing after another controversy hit his time as president of FECAFOOT.

The former Barcelona and Inter Milan forward assumed office in December 2021 as president of the federation.

However, three years later, there is little to nothing to show for it as claims of abuse of power, corruption, bribery and match-fixing continue to pile up against the former Barcelona man.