By Jokanola Bolaji
When a former player exits the pitch and enters the boardroom, there is an indisputable charm that permeates football circles.
Many see it as the full circle of the beautiful game, with an experienced warrior returning to mend the system that he once had to endure.
The reasoning is straightforward: someone who has experienced the sport firsthand is the best person to lead it.
As legends exchange boots for blazers, many cheer with banners raised and hearts full of hope. However, all too frequently, that optimism turns into disappointment.
Today, the focus is on Samuel Eto’o, one of Africa’s most admired sons, whose rise from legendary striker to president of the federation has caused more controversy than joy. First off, who is Samuel Eto’o?
Many people consider the retired Cameroonian football player Samuel Eto’o to be among Africa’s best players. Eto’o, who played for FC Barcelona, Inter Milan, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, was known for his lightning-fast speed and deft finishing.
He won the UEFA Champions League three times: once with Inter Milan (2010) and twice with Barcelona (2006, 2009).
He is Cameroon’s all-time top goal scorer (56 goals in 118 appearances) , an Olympic gold medallist (2000), and a four-time African Footballer of the Year (2003, 2004, 2005, 2010). Also, Eto’o guided Cameroon to two Africa Cup of Nations victories in 2000 and 2002.
In December 2021 there was not just a surge of national optimism, but all over the world as Samuel Eto’o’s was elected as president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT).
Many people thought that as one of Africa’s most accomplished football players, he would bring about a new era of openness, professionalism, and excellence. However, the story has taken an unexpected turn for the worse less than three years into his term.
His adminstration is currently marred by accusations of financial mismanagement, power abuse, and autocratic decision-making.
Although his name used to inspire admiration for his on-field achievements, it now frequently sparks controversy. In fact, whenever Eto’o is in the news, it is always a controversial issue bordering around corruption.
Critics claim that Eto’o is controlling the federation like a personal fief, meddling in coaches’ decisions, and consolidating power at an alarming rate.
This tension was made clear to the world in 2024 when Belgian coach Marc Brys was hired. The Sports Ministry’s appointment of Brys without first consulting Eto’o sparked a public dispute.
FECAFOOT demanded control over all technical appointments and called an urgent meeting after declining to attend the contract signing.
The growing problems in Cameroon’s football governance were revealed when a routine administrative change descended into a national drama.
Eto’o allegedly intimidated Brys by stating, “You are the coach because I appointed you,” in a leaked video from an FECAFOOT meeting.
“Which nation do you believe you are in?” Depicted from that leaked clip is a federation boss with an almost authoritarian style of leadership.
Red flags are also being raised by financial irregularities behind closed doors. Justin Tagouh, the former president of Bamboutos FC, has accused FECAFOOT of mishandling more than 2 billion CFA francs intended for referee and club development.
He describes the federation as “a band of united adventurers,” with an emphasis on appearances rather than results.
There is hardly any transparency is alleged in the Cameroonian quarters. Critics assert that not a single audited report outlining the use of funds has been produced by FECAFOOT.
Those who question the system are frequently marginalised or silenced, and sponsorship agreements and procurement transactions are said to be managed with little oversight or public disclosure.
Eto’o’s direct participation in a betting sponsorship with 1XBET was one of the most contentious incidents with his tenure.
He allegedly pushed through the deal without full board approval, and as a result, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) fined him $200,000 for violating ethics codes.
Even though there were match-fixing allegations, the charges were dropped by CAF, the incident seriously tarnished the federation’s reputation.
Claims that Eto’o influenced match results are only fuelling the flames.
He allegedly promised a club representative in a conversation that was leaked that he would manipulate the game off the field to secure three points.
The impression of corruption endures even though Eto’o’s camp denies any wrongdoing.
Eto’o’s detractors contend that he is reproducing the worst aspects of the system rather than improving it.
Cases involving unpaid debts, administrative overreach, and broken contracts with suppliers like Le Coq Sportif have enmeshed the federation under his leadership. These court cases deplete resources and damage Cameroon’s football reputation abroad.
After Cameroon’s poor AFCON performance, Eto’o reportedly offered to step down in an act of accountability.
Most pundits, however, viewed it as political theatre. The executive board rejected his resignation, claiming it was a calculated move to stifle dissent and further entrench its hold on power.
Grassroots football is still underfunded in the meantime. Community programs have stalled, and many local training facilities and fields are in poor condition.
Promised changes in youth development and women’s football haven’t had much of an effect. Rather, the emphasis seems to be on personal control and high-profile appointments.
A short time ago, it was alleged that the Cameroonian Women National Senior Team, the Indomitable Lionesses travelled by road to Nigeria for their friendly game against Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
Lest we forget, Eto’o was also given a six-month FIFA ban in September 2024 for misbehaviour at the U-20 Women’s World Cup.
His inability to attend official games is a result of the sanction, which also harmed Cameroon’s reputation in the world of football.
Although he stated that he intended to appeal, the harm might already be done. Six months down the line, the ban was not overturned.
It is reported in some quarters that Eto’o has professionalised some league structures and enhanced player welfare, according to some defenders.
However, detractors argue that these adjustments are merely surface-level, concealing deeper dysfunction and a climate of fear and partiality.
In an open letter, prominent stakeholders, including former FECAFOOT executives and leaders of regional leagues accused CAF and FIFA of ignoring persistent infractions within the federation. They demand audits, transparency, and immediate reforms.
Eto’o’s promises and reality diverge significantly. His tenure now reflects the very rot he claimed to fight, despite his earlier vow to clean up Cameroonian football.
Stadiums sit unused, debt accumulates, and mistrust increases. Once a continental giant, Cameroon’s football now runs the risk of turning into a warning about hero worship gone wrong.
Under Eto’o’s leadership, the beautiful game has become dangerous, politicised, and personal.
He deserves more time, according to supporters. However, it gets more difficult to defend his leadership with every scandal. What started out as a dream might now be heading for catastrophe.
If there is still hope for redemption, it is not in ego-driven leadership but rather in radical transparency, independent audits, and a return to grassroots priorities.
Eto’o has to decide whether to fulfil his promise to be a reformer or to leave before the harm is irreparable.
Not only is his legacy at risk, but Cameroonian football as a whole is as well.
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