Samuel Eto’o stands firm on Infantino endorsement despite criticism

Cameroon Football Federation president Samuel Eto’o has refused to back down from his controversial comments in support of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, insisting that his position remains unchanged despite the criticism that followed.

Eto’o came under scrutiny after recently appearing on CNN Sports, where he defended Infantino’s record and praised the FIFA president’s contribution to the development of football in Africa.

However, in an interview, the former Cameroon international striker stood firmly by his comments, arguing that much of the criticism stems from a failure to understand the realities and challenges facing African football administrators.

According to Eto’o, football association presidents on the continent operate under circumstances that are significantly different from those in the world’s wealthier football nations.

“We will never be able to see things in the same way as the big countries. People don’t realise the challenges faced by the presidents of football associations in Africa. Without the governments, do you think we’d even be able to play football?” Eto’o told French newspaper L’Equipe.

He pointed to the financial dependence of many African football associations on their respective governments, arguing that state support remains crucial to keeping football activities running despite the economic difficulties faced by several countries.

“In some associations, 95 or 100% of the funding comes from states already grappling with enormous challenges,” he added.

Eto’o believes these realities must be taken into consideration when assessing the decisions and policies of football administrators across the continent.

The former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea striker also highlighted what he sees as Infantino’s role in improving football infrastructure in Africa.

Eto’o argued that the FIFA president’s projects and funding initiatives have provided African countries with opportunities to strengthen their football structures, particularly through the construction and development of football association headquarters and other facilities.

“Today, President Gianni Infantino is giving Africans the chance to dream of developing football,” Eto’o said.

“He has helped African football to improve; otherwise, you wouldn’t have so many football association headquarters built. His project will help to develop talent.”

The Cameroonian football chief believes the full impact of such investments may only become evident in the years ahead, particularly through the emergence of a new generation of African football talent.

“In a few years’ time, when we have players like Roger Milla and Kylian Mbappé, it will be thanks to this funding,” he added.

Eto’o’s latest comments underline his continued support for Infantino and his belief that FIFA-backed infrastructure and development projects can play a major role in transforming African football.

Despite the backlash surrounding his original remarks, the four-time African Footballer of the Year has made it clear that he has no intention of withdrawing his position, instead insisting that Africa’s unique football realities must be understood before judging the continent’s administrators and their relationship with FIFA.