by Christopher Clinton.._*

Samuel Eto’o has been re-elected as president of Cameroon’s Football Federation (FECAFOOT) after securing higher votes in the congress today, extending his mandate for another four years.

The former Inter Milan, Chelsea and Barcelona striker ran unopposed, with election organisers confirming other aspiring candidates didn't meet the eligibility criteria. Which the found Two ballots were declared spoiled.

On the personal front, Eto'o announced his retirement from professional football in 2019, ending a stellar 22-year career with 587 club appearances, 293 goals, and 118 caps (56 goals) for Cameroon. He's a legend - won the Africa Cup of Nations twice (2000, 2002), four African Player of the Year awards, and four UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona and Inter Milan..

Several complaints are currently active, including petitions submitted to the Cameroonian Ministry of Sports and FIFA Ethics Committee. 

A coalition led by international lawyer Emmanuel Nsahlai, backed by figures such as former FECAFOOT vice president Henry Njalla Quan Jr, has presented recordings, messages and documents as part of its case.

Eto Who held this role since December 2021. Recently, he's been dealing with some controversy - in October 2024, the FIFA disciplinary committee banned him from attending Cameroon national team matches for six months (till March 31, 2025) due to breaches of disciplinary code related to an incident during a U-20 Women's World Cup match.

But here's the flip side: in March 2025, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) ordered the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to reinstate Eto'o's candidature, and he subsequently joined CAF's executive committee.

Eto’o insists the allegations form part of a “campaign” against him and maintains that his work at FECAFOOT has been focused on reforms and restoring international recognition for Cameroonian football.

Despite the controversies, delegates at the November FECAFOOT congress offered overwhelming support, ensuring Eto’o another four-year term and reinforcing his influence at both national and continental levels.