Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) President Samuel Eto'o is facing allegations of embezzlement concerning funds during his tenure. The accusations, brought forward by former FECAFOOT executives, claim that Eto'o, a celebrated former striker for Barcelona and Chelsea, redirected more than 567,000 euros ($665,000) in appearance fees into a personal bank account. These allegations were detailed in a report by The Times newspaper.

Eto'o, 45, who also serves on the executive board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has reportedly denied all accusations made against him. FECAFOOT, when contacted for comment, did not provide a response. Similarly, CAF did not respond to inquiries.

The alleged embezzlement specifically relates to payments received from Russia for a friendly international match played against Cameroon in 2023. According to The Times, internal documents indicate that two payments were directed to an account held by Eto'o at Qatar National Bank in Doha.

Those making the allegations claim they were compelled to leave their positions within the federation under Eto'o's leadership. They have reportedly lodged complaints with FIFA's ethics committee over a year ago but have not received significant updates on any investigations.

This is not the first controversy to surround the former Cameroonian international. In January, Eto'o received a four-match ban from CAF for alleged misconduct during Cameroon's Africa Cup of Nations match against Morocco. FECAFOOT at the time stated the suspension lacked "any explicit justification."

Previously, Eto'o was banned from attending national team matches for six months for violating FIFA disciplinary regulations during the 2020 Under-20 Women's World Cup. While specific details were not disclosed, the ban was attributed to "offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play" and "misconduct" involving officials during Cameroon's elimination from the tournament.

In a separate incident following the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, Eto'o was filmed engaging in a physical altercation with an individual outside a stadium after a heated exchange. He later issued an apology for the incident.

The ongoing allegations of financial impropriety add to a challenging period for Eto'o's leadership at FECAFOOT, raising questions about financial transparency and governance within the national football association.