Barcelona legend Samuel Eto’o has been accused of involvement in match-fixing in Cameroon, according to Camfoot. Eto’o, who currently serves as the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot), allegedly made promises to promote second division club Victoria United by manipulating matches.
The federation ruled that Victoria United would be promoted, deeming the previous season’s runner-up, Stade de Bertoua, ineligible. Recordings reportedly surfaced, in which Eto’o is heard telling Victoria’s president, Valentine Gwain, that he would help the team secure promotion by manipulating referees.
In the alleged conversation, Eto’o emphasizes the need for discretion, stating that certain actions can be taken to achieve the goal. He mentions his plans to work with the president of the Cameroonian referee’s association to influence the referees’ decisions.
The conversation supposedly took place after Victoria United lost 1-0 in December 2022, during which Gwain expressed dissatisfaction with the officiating. Eto’o is heard saying that Victoria United must be promoted to the first division, and he assures Gwain that they will grant the team three points and suspend the referee in question.
Eto’o further emphasizes the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the president of the league, as he holds significant power to suspend even the president of the referees.
The former Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea striker scored 56 goals in 114 caps for Cameroon. He was elected as the president of Fecafoot in December 2021.
Mail Sport, Mundo Deportivo, and L’Equipe have all reported on the accusations. No official response has been provided by Eto’o or the Cameroonian Football Federation at this time.
