Cameroon's Eto'o says African football must speak for itself

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Former Cameroon footballer Samuel Eto'o watches during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso at the Grand Stadium in Marrakesh, January 6, 2026. /CFP

Cameroon Football Federation President Samuel Eto'o insisted that African football leaders should be able to speak openly and defend the continent's interests, following a fresh wave of criticism directed at him.

Eto'o's comments came after a number of European media outlets reported that he was the subject of a complaint alleging financial mismanagement over Cameroon's friendly against Russia in Moscow in October 2023. Eto'o dismissed the reports, and labeled their timing and similarities as evidence of a coordinated campaign against him.

The dispute follows Eto'o's recent public backing of embattled FIFA president Gianni Infantino ahead of the upcoming FIFA elective congress. Eto'o has urged African football associations to unite behind the head of world football's governing body.

Eto'o suggested that his position had contributed to the latest criticism, adding that a section of commentators were uncomfortable with an African football leader openly defending his convictions.

He also challenged what he described as a double standard in discussions about democracy and freedom of expression.

"We have the right to speak. We have the right to defend our interests. We have the right to think for ourselves and make decisions regarding our football," Eto'o said.