Cameroon Football Federation boss Samuel Eto'o hit with massive fine amid match-fixing accusations

Eto'o, 43, made headlines for the wrong reasons over ten months ago when accusations of match manipulation and ethical breaches were brought against him by players in Cameroon.

The former Real Madrid and Barcelona striker avoided a lifetime ban from football after a thorough examination of the evidence led the CAF Disciplinary Board to conclude that there was insufficient proof to charge him.

On Friday, CAF announced via its official website that the four-time African Footballer of the Year and his co-accused, Valentin Nkwain, had been exonerated of any wrongdoing. However, Eto'o received a substantial fine, which also served as a warning to football officials and stakeholders.

"The Disciplinary Board ruled that as it stands, there is insufficient proof to find Mr Samuel Eto'o Fils and Mr Valentin Nkwain guilty of match manipulation," CAF elaborated.

"However, the Disciplinary Board found Mr Eto'o to have seriously violated the principles of ethics, integrity and sportsmanship as provided in Article 2 paragraph 3 of the CAF Statutes by signing a Brand Ambassador contract with the company 1XBET in exchange for remuneration and consequently fined Mr Eto'o an amount of 200,000 USD."

Eto'o became the president of the Cameroon FA in December 2021, winning the election against Seidou Mbombo Njoya. He garnered 43 votes from the members of FECAFOOT's general assembly.