CAMEROON: ETO’O RISKS A LIFETIME SUSPENSION FROM THE SELECTION
Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o faces the possibility of a lifetime ban from the national team, according to Junior Binyam, spokesperson for the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fécafoot). Eto’o refused to respond to a call-up for the national team’s match against Cape Verde in the CAN 2013 qualifiers, citing “amateurism and poor organization” within the squad. The Fécafoot disciplinary code states that any player who refuses national team selection for personal reasons may face suspension for life from the national team, with potential consequences for his club as well.
Binyam emphasized that when a coach summons a player, they are obligated to respond. While Eto’o has been replaced by Leonard Kweuke in the national team, Fécafoot is considering disciplinary actions against the veteran striker. The regulations state that any Cameroonian player affiliated with the federation or registered with a club has the obligation to respect national team call-ups. Failure to do so may result in sanctions, ranging from a warning to a suspension of football-related activities, potentially extending to the international level.
Eto’o, who recently returned from an eight-month suspension for inciting teammates to boycott a friendly match, chose not to respond to the national team’s summons, expressing dissatisfaction with the team’s organization and professionalism.
