Former Cameroonian forward Samuel Eto’o finds himself at a crossroads. Facing the disciplinary committee of CAF this Tuesday to answer serious allegations of corruption and match-fixing, the president of FECAFOOT could be subject to severe penalties, outlined as follows.
After over two years at the helm of the Cameroonian Football Federation, Samuel Eto’o faces potential heavy consequences. Pressured by former colleagues and local officials, the ex-Lions Indomptables striker stands before CAF’s disciplinary committee. Following alerts about match-fixing schemes allegedly orchestrated to benefit Victoria United de Limbé and various satellite clubs, Patrice Motsepe’s body has taken charge.
Potential sanctions against Eto’o include hefty fines exceeding 6 million CFA francs and match suspensions, per Article 154 of CAF’s disciplinary code. In more severe cases, a “ban from football-related activities” ranging from several years to a lifetime could be imposed if found guilty. The regulations stipulate that anyone conspiring to manipulate match results against sporting ethics faces match bans, fines starting at $10,000, and potentially lifelong football activity bans.
Under FIFA’s provisions for similar offenses, Eto’o faces comparable penalties. According to Article 20, Paragraph 1 of Gianni Infantino’s disciplinary code, influencing or illegally manipulating match outcomes can lead to a minimum five-year ban from football-related activities and fines starting at CHF 100,000. In grave cases, lifetime bans are conceivable.
Eto’o had requested his hearing to be broadcast live on Instagram, citing transparency concerns, but CAF rules prohibit live broadcasts of disciplinary hearings. The outcome of Tuesday’s proceedings remains awaited with significant implications for Eto’o’s future.
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