Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot), has secured a prominent new role within the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Following the first meeting of the newly elected CAF Executive Committee on Saturday in Accra, Ghana, Eto’o’s influence in African football has risen significantly.
The former football star, now an influential figure in the sport, has been appointed to chair the Technical and Development Committee of CAF.
In his new role, Eto’o will lead key initiatives aimed at improving football across Africa.
His responsibilities will include overseeing programs designed to elevate the standards of football on the continent, with a particular emphasis on coach, referee, and player development.
Central to Eto’o’s mandate will be organizing seminars and workshops to enhance the skills of various stakeholders involved in African football.
🔴 OFFICIEL ! Samuel Eto’o est nommé président de la Commission Technique et de Développement de la Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF). ⭐️🇨🇲@CAF_Online pic.twitter.com/m5rfqAW4vY
— AllezLesLions (@AllezLesLions) April 26, 2025
As chairman, Eto’o will also be tasked with developing projects that cater to all levels of the game, from youth football to women’s football and the professional leagues.
His work will extend to providing technical support to CAF member associations, aiding them in strengthening their football infrastructure and training programs.
Alongside Tunisian Malouche Belhassen, who serves as vice-president, Eto’o’s role is one of great strategic importance.
His influence in shaping the future of football development across Africa is now amplified by this prestigious position.
Eto’o’s experience as a former player and his deep understanding of African football’s challenges uniquely position him to make a significant impact on the continent’s footballing landscape.
Furthermore, Eto’o’s appointment will also involve promoting African football on the international stage.
His efforts will focus on raising the profile of African players, coaches, and clubs, seeking to increase the visibility and appeal of the continent’s football across the globe.
The announcement of Eto’o’s new role comes at a time when CAF is undergoing modernization efforts, signaling a shift towards utilizing the expertise of football legends to support the organization’s growth.
Despite initial hesitations about Eto’o’s involvement in CAF’s activities, this promotion marks a significant step for both him and African football as a whole.
However, the development raises questions within Cameroon, where some critics may view Eto’o’s growing list of positions with concern, particularly given the current state of the nation’s football.
His leadership at Fecafoot, alongside his increasing role within CAF, will undoubtedly prompt discussions about the future of Cameroonian football, which remains under pressure to achieve greater success on both the continental and global stages.