The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down disciplinary sanctions to the President of the Cameroonian Football Federation, Samuel Eto’o, following his conduct during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final clash between Morocco and Cameroon in Rabat last weekend.

CAF disclosed the decision in a statement published on its official website in the early hours of Thursday. According to the statement, the CAF Disciplinary Board found the former Barcelona and Chelsea striker guilty of misconduct, citing violations of the principles of sportsmanship as outlined in Article 2(3) of the CAF Statutes.

Eto’o was also found to have breached Article 82 of the CAF Disciplinary Code in relation to his behaviour during the match, which ended in a 2-0 victory for Morocco and saw Cameroon exit the tournament at the quarter-final stage.

As punishment, the Board imposed a stadium ban on Eto’o, barring him from attending the next four official CAF matches played within the context of the AFCON. In addition, he was fined USD 20,000.

The ruling brings a formal close to an incident that had sparked conversations around conduct, leadership, and responsibility at the highest levels of African football administration.

Opinion: Leadership Comes With Accountability

Samuel Eto’o remains one of Africa’s greatest football icons, a symbol of excellence whose legacy as a player inspired millions across the continent. However, this sanction is a clear reminder that stature and past glory do not place anyone above the rules.

As a federation president, Eto’o is no longer judged solely by passion or emotion on the sidelines, but by the standards of leadership he sets. Football thrives on intensity and rivalry, but administrators are expected to embody calm, fairness, and respect for the game’s institutions—especially on the biggest stages.

CAF’s decision sends a strong message about accountability and professionalism, reinforcing the idea that African football must protect its image through discipline at all levels. While the ban may sting, it also presents an opportunity for reflection. If embraced rightly, this moment could strengthen Eto’o’s leadership journey and reaffirm the values African football seeks to uphold.

In the end, the game grows not just through talent on the pitch, but through integrity off it.