In a major legal twist, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ordered the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) to formally review the appeal of Cameroon FA president Samuel Eto’o, who was disqualified from contesting in the upcoming CAF Executive Committee elections.
Eto’o, a four-time African Player of the Year, was ruled ineligible by CAF’s Governance and Ethics Committee, citing violations related to his partnership with betting company 1xBet and his 22-month suspended prison sentence for tax fraud in Spain in 2022.
Following his disqualification, the former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker immediately took his case to CAS, arguing that his exclusion was unfair and politically motivated.
Now, CAS has officially directed CAF to reconsider Eto’o’s case, a move that could impact the final list of candidates for next month’s elections.
“CAF must follow due process and review Eto’o’s appeal properly,” said a legal expert familiar with the case. “This ruling does not guarantee that Eto’o will be reinstated, but it ensures his case is heard fairly.”
What CAS’ Ruling Means for Eto’o and CAF
CAF had initially rejected Eto’o’s appeal outright, insisting that his ties to sports betting violated FIFA’s governance rules. However, CAS has now compelled CAF to provide a formal response, meaning that CAF must justify its decision using clear legal grounds.
The ruling has added to the growing controversy surrounding CAF’s electoral process, which has already seen multiple officials banned from contesting, including Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas (Congo) and MacLean Letshwiti (Botswana).
“This election is becoming one of the most legally complicated in CAF history,” said a CAF insider. “If Eto’o’s case is successful, it could set a precedent for other excluded officials.”
If CAF fails to provide a strong defense, CAS could force the governing body to reinstate Eto’o as a candidate, potentially reshuffling the electoral race just weeks before the March elections.
CAF’s Election Process Under Scrutiny
The CAF elections have already been marred by legal disputes, with critics accusing the governing body of applying eligibility rules inconsistently.
Some observers believe Eto’o’s exclusion was politically motivated, particularly given his strained relationship with CAF President Patrice Motsepe and current CAF Vice President Seidou Mbombo Njoya, who was formerly in charge of the Cameroon FA before Eto’o defeated him in elections.
“There are questions over whether CAF is trying to limit Eto’o’s influence in African football,” said a sports governance expert. “If CAS rules in his favor, it will expose deeper issues within CAF’s election process.”
The ruling also adds pressure on CAF’s Governance and Ethics Committee, which has been accused of using ethics rules to selectively block candidates while allowing others with past controversies to run.
What Happens Next?
CAF is now expected to formally respond to CAS and reconsider Eto’o’s appeal. If CAS finds that CAF’s disqualification of Eto’o lacks merit, it could rule that the governing body must reinstate him as a candidate.
With the elections drawing closer, CAF now faces a critical decision:
If Eto’o’s appeal is upheld, CAF must adjust its final candidate list, which could delay or disrupt the elections.
If Eto’o’s appeal is denied, it could lead to further legal action, with the possibility of CAS making a final ruling that overrules CAF’s decision entirely.
“CAF will need to act fast, as this case has already raised questions about the credibility of the elections,” said a senior African football expert.
With CAS now directly involved, the race for power within African football’s governing body is becoming more complex, and the coming days could determine whether Eto’o’s ambitions to be part of CAF’s leadership are revived or permanently blocked.
