Samuel Eto’o Backs Infantino, Calls for All 54 African FAs to Support Him
Samuel Eto’o Backs Gianni Infantino, Calls for All 54 African FA Presidents to Support FIFA Chief
Yaoundé, Cameroon—Former Cameroon captain and current president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto’o, has thrown his strong support behind FIFA President Gianni Infantino, declaring that he will vote for Infantino and campaign among Africa’s football leaders to secure the backing of all 54 CAF member associations.
Speaking in an exclusive France 24 tête-à-tête interview, Eto’o said he believes Infantino has contributed significantly to the development of African football and deserves another mandate.
“I will vote for Gianni for everything he has brought to African football,” Eto’o said.
The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker went further, saying he intends to lobby fellow African football federation presidents to unite behind Infantino.
“I will campaign among my fellow presidents so that, for once, all 54 presidents of the Confederation of African Football will vote in favour of Gianni,” he said.
Eto’o Defends Infantino Against Allegations
Eto’o was also asked about recent criticism from Constant Omari, the former president of the Congolese football federation, who has called for Infantino to resign and alleged that African football leaders are vulnerable because FIFA possesses compromising information about some continental federations.
Eto’o described Omari as a “big brother” and said he had recently discussed the issue with him in Kinshasa.
However, Eto’o made his position clear.
“On this particular question, I am fully aligned behind President Infantino, and I will campaign for President Infantino to win once again,” he said.
He also called for any alleged compromising information to be brought before the appropriate authorities rather than being used as a means of intimidation.
“If the president or FIFA holds files on federation presidents, then let them put them on the table, bring them forward, refer them to the relevant bodies, and each person will then defend themselves,” Eto’o stated.
Calls for a Democratic Debate
Eto’o said he would support efforts to bring the issue before FIFA’s governing structures so that all 211 member associations can participate in a democratic discussion.
He argued that football leaders should no longer operate under fear of threats or intimidation and said that, based on his experience at FIFA, he had not personally witnessed exchanges being conducted under threat.
Eto’o Praises Changes at CAF
The FECAFOOT president also reflected on his relationship with CAF President Patrice Motsepe, acknowledging that he has not always agreed with Motsepe’s administration.
Eto’o nevertheless welcomed what he described as positive developments within African football and recently congratulated Motsepe for decisions he believes are beneficial to the continent’s game.
He said African football must continue working towards reaching the level it deserves internationally.
Will Samuel Eto’o Run for CAF President?
With Motsepe having announced that he will not seek another term as CAF president in 2029, Eto’o was asked directly whether he intends to contest the position.
The former Cameroon striker declined to reveal his future plans.
“You surely wouldn’t imagine that even if I had that in the back of my mind, I would share it with you today,” Eto’o told France 24.
For now, he said his focus remains on his work at FECAFOOT and improving Cameroonian football.
Cameroon Women Make History
Eto’o also celebrated the success of Cameroon’s women’s national team, praising the players for their historic achievement after winning the Africa Cup of Nations.
He said the trophy was evidence of what could be achieved when the football authorities worked together with the necessary calm and focus.
Eto’o also praised Cameroon’s President for the reception and rewards given to the victorious women’s team, saying the players received more than they could have expected.
“I got goosebumps,” Eto’o said, describing the president’s decision to reward the players and provide additional gifts.
He expressed gratitude on behalf of the team and said the achievement should inspire Cameroon’s men’s national team to aim beyond qualification and compete for major trophies.
Eto’o’s Message to the Lions
Looking ahead, Eto’o said qualification for major tournaments should only be considered the beginning for Cameroon.
He wants the national team to go into competitions with the ambition of winning trophies rather than simply participating.
For Eto’o, the ultimate objective is clear: Cameroon must return to the top of African football and compete for titles.
