Sport

Samuel Eto’s Resignation Rejected By Cameroun Football Federation

Former African Player of the Year, Samuel Eto’o, encountered resistance in his attempt to resign as president of the Cameroun Football Federation. The federation’s executive committee declined his resignation during a meeting in Yaoundé, where they were assessing the national team’s performance at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Samuel Eto’s Resignation -Reaction from Cameroun Football Federation

Samuel Eto’o tendered his resignation as President of the Cameroon Football Association, however, it was unanimously rejected by the members of the Executive Committee.

Eto’o, a four-time African Player of the Year awardee, has been entangled in controversies involving allegations of misconduct, match-fixing, and corruption. In the meeting, Eto’o voluntarily proposed stepping down, urging other members to follow suit “in good faith.”

After deliberations, the executive committee unanimously decided to maintain their current mandates. They expressed renewed confidence in Eto’o’s leadership, endorsing his plan for the reconstruction and development of Cameroun football, which had been adopted by the elective general assembly on December 11, 2021, the date Eto’o assumed the presidency.

While the federation’s statement didn’t specify further decisions, uncertainties hover over the future of Cameroun coach Rigobert Song following the team’s underwhelming performance at the Africa Cup. Despite being a five-time champion, Cameroun faced elimination by Nigeria in the round of 16 after narrowly progressing to the knockout stage.

Samuel Eto’s Resignation was turned down even though he has faced corruption allegations, including match-fixing, abuse of power, and other misconduct.

Ongoing investigations by FIFA’s ethics committee and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) presume Eto’o innocent until proven otherwise.

Adding to the scrutiny, Eto’o’s ambassadorial role with a sports betting company has raised concerns about potential violations of institutional codes, leading to complaints from clubs.

Cameroun football has grappled with challenges, including government interference, corruption allegations, and broken promises. Eto’o, who represented Cameroon in four World Cups from 1998 to 2014, assumed the presidency with hopes for reform and progress in the sport.