Cameroon: Eto’o’s lawyer defends against match-fixing allegations
Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot), recently faced the disciplinary jury of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) amid allegations of match-fixing. Accusations against Eto’o, a former football star, suggest his involvement in rigging matches in Cameroon, particularly in relation to Victoria United’s promotion. If found guilty, Eto’o could face a lifetime ban from football-related activities. On Saturday, his lawyer, Maître Florian Mbayen, addressed these allegations on RFI’s program “The Great Guest Africa.”
Responding to the allegations, Maître Mbayen stated, “Involved in match-fixing? I would answer that this would be a very poor understanding of Mr. Eto’o, who had an exemplary career as a footballer.
He was never involved in the slightest ethical problems throughout his entire football career. So, it is in total contradiction with his values, his ethics.
These are fanciful accusations and which, in my opinion, reveal other intentions.”
Mbayen questioned the validity of an audio recording that triggered the investigation.
“Now, the content of the recording which was produced, we must admit to you that we requested its rejection in court because it is impossible to authenticate it, it has not been the subject of authentication. Mr. Eto’o did have a conversation with Mr. Nkwain, following the incident he triggered in a football stadium.
But I cannot guarantee you that the communication produced by his accusers is an accurate reflection of their exchange,” he asserted.
Mbayen also addressed the denial of Eto’o’s involvement with match-fixing and emphasized his client’s commitment to integrity. “Mr. Eto’o categorically denies any involvement.
These are not his values, these are not his ideas. In the interview, Mr. Eto’o affirms his values. He tells his interlocutor that there are procedures.
If he has grievances against officials, these grievances must be reserved,” he added.
Regarding accusations of a conflict of interest stemming from a contract with the betting company 1xbet, Mbayen clarified, “Mr. Eto’o concluded, as president of Fecafoot, a pre-contract with 1xbet on May 7, 2023.
A contract between Fecafoot and not Mr. Eto’o in a personal capacity. He is accused of having signed a contract in a personal capacity.
No, Mr. Eto’o has never signed a contract in a personal capacity. Once again, the roles are reversed: accusations are made and it is up to the accused to prove his innocence. It is rather the opposite.”
Mbayen confirmed that Eto’o did contact Mr. Nkwain, the president of Victoria United, following a disrupted football match.
“Yes, Mr. Eto’o called, he recognizes that, Mr. Nkwain because he had interrupted a football match and he threatened to leave the championship because he was annoyed that his team was suffering, according to him, a certain number of refereeing rule violations. So, it was following this incident that Mr. Eto’o called Mr. Nkwain,” he admitted.
As CAF’s decision on the matter looms, the potential downfall of Eto’o could have significant implications within Cameroonian football.
The outcome of this case is eagerly anticipated, with many closely watching how this high-profile football saga unfolds.
🔴 Me Florian Mbayen, avocat de Samuel Eto’o ayant assisté aux auditions à la CAF :
« Je répondrais que ce serait très mal connaître monsieur Eto’o, qui a une carrière exemplaire en tant que footballeur. Il n’a jamais été impliqué dans les moindres problèmes d’éthique, durant… pic.twitter.com/NjD8IwqOsg
— AllezLesLions (@AllezLesLions) June 29, 2024
🔴 Me Florian Mbayen, avocat de Samuel Eto’o ayant assisté aux auditions à la CAF :
« Je répondrais que ce serait très mal connaître monsieur Eto’o, qui a une carrière exemplaire en tant que footballeur. Il n’a jamais été impliqué dans les moindres problèmes d’éthique, durant… pic.twitter.com/NjD8IwqOsg
— AllezLesLions (@AllezLesLions) June 29, 2024
