Samuel Eto’o was fined and suspended by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following his conduct during Cameroon’s 2-0 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final defeat by hosts Morocco.
CAF said the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) president was sanctioned for alleged misconduct linked to his reaction to refereeing decisions during the match. The governing body did not refer to any specific incidents in its statement.
However, the only widely reported flashpoint involving an official was the behaviour of Eto’o, who was seen gesturing angrily during the game towards his Moroccan counterpart, Fouzi Lekjaa, with CAF president Patrice Motsepe seated nearby.
Tensions were already high during the encounter, which featured several heated moments on the pitch. Players from both teams were involved in jostling and verbal exchanges due to perceived poor officiating.
In the aftermath of the game, CAF confirmed it had opened investigations into violent confrontations and disorderly behaviour at matches during the tournament, including the Morocco v Cameroon clash.
As a result of its findings, CAF handed Eto’o a four-match ban from CAF competitions and imposed a $20,000 fine. The ban limits his official participation in matches during the suspension period.
CAF said the decision forms part of wider efforts to maintain discipline and protect the integrity of African football, adding that further action could follow depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations.
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