Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), is at the center of a legal storm after several elite club presidents filed a complaint against him, accusing him of embezzlement.
The lawsuit, widely shared on social media, was submitted to the Attorney General at Cameroon’s Special Criminal Court (TCS). According to local reports, the complaint alleges that the former international misappropriated public funds, citing Article 184 of the Penal Code and an amended law from 2012.
Missing Funds Spark Legal Action
At the core of the allegations is a government grant of 910 million CFA francs, allocated to FECAFOOT but allegedly not distributed to clubs as intended.
Club officials claim they never received the promised financial assistance, particularly those competing in the MTN Elite One and Elite Two divisions.
“Despite the transfer of this subsidy to the Cameroon Football Federation, professional clubs have still not benefited from it,” the complaint states.
Further concerns have been raised regarding funds designated for stadium rentals. According to the plaintiffs, FECAFOOT received 350 million CFA francs for this purpose, yet clubs were forced to cover rental expenses themselves.
The National Office for Sports Infrastructure (ONIES), the body responsible for managing stadiums, reportedly did not receive the allocated payments.
Growing Rift Between Eto’o and Club Executives
This latest controversy deepens the rift between Eto’o and club officials, who have long expressed dissatisfaction with the federation’s financial transparency.
Disputes over the management of public funds have now escalated into a formal legal battle, placing Cameroonian football under intense scrutiny.
The Special Criminal Court’s decision to investigate could have serious consequences for Eto’o’s leadership at FECAFOOT.
If the allegations are proven, the former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker could face legal action, intensifying calls for change within the federation.
FECAFOOT and Samuel Eto’o have yet to issue an official response to the accusations. However, with tensions already high, this latest development is likely to further shake the administration of Cameroonian football.
🔴 Joseph Feutcheu, president Djiko FC et Alphonse Fometeu, SG Aigle Royal du Moungo, portent plainte contre le président de FECAFOOT, Samuel Eto’o, au Tribunal Criminel Spécial pour détournement des biens publics suite au non versement de la subvention allouée aux clubs par… pic.twitter.com/VZcxqF3bCW
— AllezLesLions (@AllezLesLions) March 18, 2025
