Samuel Eto’o has rejected allegations that he misappropriated more than €560,000 reportedly transferred by Russia following a friendly match between Russia and Cameroon in October 2023.
The former Barcelona and Cameroon striker, who currently serves as president of the Cameroon Football Federation, dismissed the accusations as part of what he described as a smear campaign against him.
According to reports by The Times, the money was allegedly transferred to a personal bank account belonging to Eto’o after the international friendly. Former federation officials reportedly said they were unable to locate accounting or banking records showing that the funds were subsequently transferred to the Cameroon Football Federation.
The former officials are also reported to have referred the matter to FIFA’s ethics committee more than a year ago. However, they claim they have yet to receive a response regarding the allegations.
FIFA has denied claims that political considerations influence the work of its independent judicial bodies. The Cameroon Football Federation has reportedly not issued a public response to the allegations.
Eto’o has strongly rejected the accusations, saying they are connected to his decision to speak openly in defence of Cameroon and Africa.
In a statement shared on Facebook, the football legend accused his critics of using journalists who, according to him, are aligned with their interests to repeat the same allegations against him.
Eto’o argued that the controversy demonstrated the kind of campaign he has previously warned about. He suggested that his outspoken position on issues affecting African football had made him a target for criticism.
The four-time African Footballer of the Year also used the statement to defend the right of Africans to express their opinions and stand by their convictions.
He said Africans should be able to defend their interests without being pressured into silence, while stressing that African football should have the freedom to make decisions in its own interests.
Eto’o, who enjoyed a highly successful playing career with clubs including Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea, has remained an influential figure in African football since retiring from professional football.
His tenure as head of Cameroon’s football federation has been marked by both major sporting developments and controversies. The latest allegations now place renewed attention on the federation’s financial affairs and governance.
Eto’o continues to deny any wrongdoing, describing the accusations as an attempt to discredit him because of his stance on African football and broader issues affecting the continent.
