CAF overturns sanctions imposed on Eto’o after AFCON appeal

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has overturned the disciplinary sanctions imposed on Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) president Samuel Eto’o following his conduct during Cameroon’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final defeat by Morocco.

In a statement released on Tuesday, FECAFOOT confirmed that CAF’s Appeals Jury had annulled “all legal effects” of the punishment handed to the former Cameroon striker in connection with the match played on 9 January.

The decision reverses an earlier ruling by CAF’s Disciplinary Board, which had found Eto’o guilty of breaching the organisation’s principles of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship.

Four-match ban and fine cancelled

CAF had originally suspended Eto’o from attending four official confederation matches and imposed a fine of $20,000 after Cameroon lost 2-0 to Morocco in the quarter-finals of the continental tournament.

The sanctions came after the FECAFOOT president publicly criticised several refereeing decisions from the stands during the match.

However, the Cameroonian federation challenged the ruling, arguing that the disciplinary proceedings lacked adequate justification and questioning the fairness of the process.

FECAFOOT welcomes appeals verdict

Following the successful appeal, FECAFOOT welcomed the decision, saying it demonstrated the Appeals Jury’s independence and its commitment to applying the rules impartially.

The federation added that the outcome reinforced its confidence in CAF’s judicial institutions and praised their determination to uphold legality in cases brought before them.

The ruling brings an end to a disciplinary case that had generated significant debate in African football following Cameroon’s elimination at the hands of Morocco earlier this year.