Eto’o accuses former referee of trying to influence matches involving Cameroon and Morocco

Cameroon Football Federation president Samuel Eto’o has sparked controversy after accusing a former international referee and army officer of attempting to influence matches involving Cameroon and Morocco.

Eto’o made the allegations during an event marking the graduation of a new group of Cameroonian referees, although he did not identify the individual involved or provide public evidence to support his claims.

The former Cameroon and Barcelona striker said the unnamed official had acted against the interests of his country and had also attempted to influence Morocco in favour of another nation during a previous tournament.

Morocco and Cameroon claims

Speaking in comments highlighted by Cameroonian network CFOOT, Eto’o warned the newly graduated referees about some of the individuals they could encounter in their careers.

He referred to a “former referee and army officer” whom he accused of playing what he described as negative roles against Cameroon.

Eto’o said that the individual “tried to influence Morocco in favor of another country”, adding that “he repeated the same thing when the Cameroon Lionesses were participating in the last edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.”

However, the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation did not explain how the alleged attempt to influence Morocco was carried out or identify the country said to have benefited.

His remarks also did not include any public evidence to substantiate the accusations.

Sidi identified amid speculation

Eto’o did not name the person he was referring to, but his description prompted speculation that the allegations were directed at Alioum Sidi.

Sidi is a former international referee and an officer in the Cameroonian army who currently serves as president of the Cameroonian Football Referees Association.

The former official has since responded publicly, strongly rejecting the allegations and demanding that Eto’o provide evidence to support his claims.

Former referee demands proof

Sidi said he considered himself to be the target of Eto’o’s comments and categorically rejected “any accusation, insinuation, or interpretation” that he had attempted to influence a match in favour of another country or acted against the interests of Cameroon.

He called on Eto’o to clearly state the facts behind the allegations and provide objective evidence to establish their validity.

Sidi also warned that he could take the matter before judicial authorities and other competent bodies to protect his honour, reputation and integrity if evidence was not produced.

CAS dispute adds to tensions

The former referee suggested that Eto’o’s comments could be linked to a separate dispute involving the Cameroonian Football Referees Association and the Cameroonian Football Federation.

The two bodies are currently involved in a case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Sidi, who heads the referees’ association, suggested the ongoing dispute could provide context for what he described as the federation president’s “loss of composure”.

The exchange adds another layer to the tensions surrounding football administration in Cameroon, with the controversy now potentially extending beyond domestic football to allegations involving African international competitions and Morocco.