The Cameroonian Association of Football Referees (ACAF) has officially challenged the electoral process of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) from September 13, 2025, before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This action follows the re-election of Samuel Eto'o as the head of FECAFOOT and comes after exhausting internal remedies.
CAS has recognized its jurisdiction to examine ACAF's appeal, deeming the request admissible. The court considered that Communiqué N°7/FECAFOOT/CE/2025, published by the electoral commission, constituted a contestable "decision" within the meaning of Article R47 of the CAS Code. This recognition paves the way for an in-depth legal review of the electoral process.
ACAF filed its appeal after exhausting FECAFOOT's internal procedures, in accordance with Article R47 of the CAS Code and Article 73 of the FECAFOOT statutes. CAS confirmed that the internal remedies had been duly respected and exhausted, thus validating ACAF's right to challenge the decisions of the governing body of Cameroonian football.
While CAS has confirmed its jurisdiction and the admissibility of the appeal, the detailed reasons for these decisions will be set out in the final award. The case is now entering a phase of in-depth examination on the merits, which could have significant consequences for the governance of Cameroonian football.
Samuel Eto'o was re-elected as president of FECAFOOT on November 29, 2025, obtaining 85 out of 87 votes from delegates. He was the only candidate in the running, having been approved by the FECAFOOT electoral commission. His new four-year term runs until 2029. Eto'o was first elected as the head of FECAFOOT on December 11, 2021, defeating the outgoing president, Seidou Mbombo Njoya.
Eto'o's re-election comes amid tensions between FECAFOOT and the Ministry of Sports, with the latter seeking to closely oversee the federation's operations. Representatives from FIFA and CAF were present at the elective general assembly to ensure the transparency of the process.
Several challenges await Eto'o during this new term, including the need to thoroughly reform Cameroonian football, improve financial transparency, and develop grassroots football. The outcome of ACAF's challenge before CAS could have a significant impact on Eto'o's ability to carry out these reforms.
The final decision of CAS is awaited with interest, as it could potentially call into question the legitimacy of Samuel Eto'o's re-election and lead to changes within the leadership of Cameroonian football.
