Samuel Eto'o, president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot), used an appearance on CRTV Sports during the Ballon d'Or ceremony to address his critics. The former Indomitable Lions striker stated, with a smile, that some of his compatriots who oppose him "secretly love me".
This statement comes amid recurring criticism regarding his management of Fecafoot. Since his election in December 2021, Eto'o has faced accusations of authoritarianism and conflicts of interest. His supporters, however, believe that he has put an end to a system of corruption that previously prevailed.
Eto'o also took the opportunity to commend the work of David Pagou, coach of the Indomitable Lions, praising the creation of a "dynamic, disciplined team" driven by "much love for their country."
Criticism of Eto'o has intensified following the national team's disappointing performances, including early elimination from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and poor results in the AFCON qualifiers. In January 2026, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) suspended Eto'o for four matches and fined him $20,000 for violating the code of ethics. Fecafoot rejected this decision, calling it unfair and insufficiently justified.
Meanwhile, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former presidential candidate, continues to challenge the results of the October 2025 election. He recently launched an appeal for mobilization to support the victims of the "bloody repression" and denounced a disastrous socio-economic situation in Cameroon. Tchiroma, who still considers himself the "elected president," has called on the Cameroonian diaspora to get involved in the battle for the "Etoudi Palace".
Amidst this agitated political and sporting context, the future of Cameroonian football and Samuel Eto'o's leadership remain subjects of passionate debate.
Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, celebrated his 10th anniversary as head of the organization on February 26, 2026, thanking member associations for their support.
