Samuel Eto’o Credits Gianni Infantino for Transforming African Football

In an interview with FRANCE 24, former footballer and current president of the Cameroonian Football Federation, Samuel Eto’o, addressed the recent criticism of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, reaffirming his support for Infantino’s re‑election due to the significant contributions Infantino has made to African football, and stating that African federations will protect what they consider right given the challenges they face within their own associations.

Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, remains under scrutiny over his proposal to sell World Cup rights to private investors, a plan that generated widespread criticism. Although the proposal was withdrawn, the European, Asian, and North American confederations have demanded his resignation, while the African Confederation of Football (CAF) has uniformly supported him.

‘We do not confront the same challenges as those in Europe or South America in certain respects,’ Eto’o explained. ‘Our budgets are limited, yet we are expected to achieve the same performance levels as major footballing nations. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that we must approach this matter from a different perspective,’ he added.

While UEFA is preparing a complaint against Gianni Infantino, Eto’o noted that ‘UEFA will defend its own interests, as it is entirely normal for African bodies to do the same.’ Regarding African support for Infantino, he said, ‘We are uniting to defend what we consider right, given the challenges we encounter within our own federations.’

“I will vote for Gianni Infantino”

He also described his relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, stating that ‘in my heart, President Gianni has become far beyond the realm of football—a brother, a close friend, and a partner with whom we have built lasting contributions to the sport.’

Infantino is officially seeking re‑election at an upcoming congress, requiring a simple majority of the 211 member federations and the 54 CAF nations to secure another term. Eto’o affirmed, ‘If I remain president of the Cameroonian Football Federation, I will vote for him for everything he has contributed to African football.’ He added that he will mobilize all CAF presidents to support Infantino, asserting that Gianni is the individual who has most positively impacted Africa.

Conversely, Constant Omari, former president of the Congolese Football Federation, has demanded Infantino’s resignation, alleging moral corruption among African football leaders and suggesting that Infantino possesses damaging information about the continent’s federations. Eto’o emphasized, ‘On this issue, I am fully aligned behind President Infantino and will campaign for his re‑election.’

‘Since my tenure at FIFA, I have not witnessed any conversation that was made under threat,’ Eto’o stated. ‘Within my own confederation, I have been clear with President Motsepe that I do not always agree with his administration or with those currently in place,’ he added.

“I’m very happy at the Cameroonian Football Federation”

Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football, announced several weeks ago that he will not seek another term in 2029. When questioned about his continental ambitions, Eto’o replied that he is presently “very happy at the Cameroonian Football Federation” and that “we have many challenges ahead and will continue working to ensure ongoing success.”

He also congratulated the Lionnes Indomptables on their recent triumph at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, noting that Cameroon’s national team aims not just to qualify but to win the championship.

Regarding the longstanding tensions between the Cameroonian Federation and Sports Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, as well as allegations of unpaid player wages, he said that he has not observed any conflict, adding that the team has operated with the calm necessary for success, and the results are evident.

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