Cameroon FA boss Eto’o says Infantino criticism is driven by election politics

Cameroon Football Federation president Samuel Eto’o has defended FIFA president Gianni Infantino as pressure mounts on the world football governing body ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Eto’o, who is also Cameroon’s all-time leading scorer, believes much of the opposition to Infantino is linked to the approaching election rather than concerns about his leadership.

Infantino has faced increasing criticism from several FIFA member associations following a controversial proposal involving the sale of a 20% stake in the governing body’s commercial tournament rights.

Eto’o questions timing of opposition

With Infantino expected to seek re-election in March 2027, calls for a vote of no confidence have emerged from parts of the international football community.

Eto’o said he believes the timing of the criticism is significant.

“I think the timing of all of that is because there’s an election coming out, when Gianni Infantino is standing. All of this has happened because there’s an election coming out, that’s all there is,” Eto’o told CNN on Monday.

The former Cameroon captain also praised Infantino’s impact on international football, particularly the increased opportunities for smaller nations to participate at the World Cup.

Eto’o praises opportunities for smaller nations

Eto’o credited Infantino with expanding access to the world’s biggest football tournament for countries that previously struggled to qualify.

“President Gianni Infantino has changed football. He’s given opportunities to nations that didn’t have those opportunities to take part in the most beautiful tournament, the World Cup. He enabled smaller nations to get seats at these competitions,” Eto’o added.

His comments come as several major continental football bodies, including UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF, consider whether to support a no-confidence vote against Infantino.

CAF continues to support Infantino

Africa’s football governing body, CAF, has continued to back the FIFA president.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe recently reiterated the organisation’s support for Infantino, while stressing that his future should ultimately be decided through the 2027 FIFA presidential election.

For now, Infantino remains in office despite mounting opposition, with Eto’o becoming one of the latest prominent African football figures to publicly defend his leadership.