AFCON 2025: CAF bans Samuel Eto’o over Cameroon–Morocco clash

AFCON 2025: CAF Bans Samuel Eto’o over Cameroon–Morocco clash

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sanctioned former Cameroon star and President of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto’o, following misconduct during Cameroon’s 2–0 defeat to Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final clash.

Eto’o was handed a four-match ban and fined $20,000 after being found guilty of misconduct by CAF’s disciplinary panel.

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In a statement, CAF said its Disciplinary Board found Eto’o guilty of misconduct and of “violating the principles of sportsmanship” as outlined in the confederation’s regulations following the match.

FECAFOOT has rejected the ruling. In a statement, the federation said CAF’s decision “lacks any explicit justification”, adding that “the rapid procedure leading to this decision raises serious concerns regarding the fundamental requirements of a fair process.”

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The statement concluded that Eto’o would be pursuing an appeal against the sanction.

Eto’o was also seen making angry gestures in reaction to some of the officials’ decisions as the Indomitable Lions exited the tournament. CAF president Patrice Motsepe, who was in attendance at the stadium in Rabat, appeared to have witnessed Eto’o’s reaction.

The sanctions come amid wider debate and accusations on social media and among some fan circles that Morocco has benefited from favourable refereeing decisions as hosts of AFCON 2025.

Some commentators pointed to controversial calls in other matches, including Morocco’s semi-final clash against Nigeria, which ended 0–0 after extra time before Morocco prevailed in a penalty shootout.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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