FECAFOOT President Eto’o Knocks FIFA Over AFCON Timing

FECAFOOT President Eto’o Knocks FIFA Over AFCON Timing

Sampson Adedeji

President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto’o, has criticised FIFA over the proposed change to the scheduling of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing the move as serving European interests rather than African football, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The timing of AFCON has become a major subject of debate in recent weeks following discussions around altering the tournament’s cycle from its traditional format to a longer interval.

Eto’o, a former African Footballer of the Year, has now added his voice to the growing criticism.

Speaking on a programme titled AFCON Debate, Eto’o questioned whether hosting the continent’s flagship competition every four years would benefit Africa.

 “Is it in the interest of Africans to host an AFCON every four years? I think it’s more in the interest of the Europeans,” Eto’o said.

He argued that European clubs are the primary beneficiaries of such a change, as it would reduce the frequency with which African stars leave club football to represent their countries in international competitions.

“They want to have players like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at their disposal,” the FECAFOOT president stated.

Eto’o further accused FIFA of prioritising European clubs in its decision-making process.

“FIFA defends the interests of European clubs,” the former Cameroon international insisted.

While acknowledging the working relationship between football’s governing bodies, Eto’o maintained that FIFA President Gianni Infantino could have handled the issue more carefully.

 “There’s a win-win partnership between FIFA and CAF. I’m close to Gianni Infantino and Ahmad. But I think Gianni Infantino lacked tact,” he concluded.

The comments add further weight to the ongoing debate over AFCON’s future, as African football stakeholders continue to express concern about decisions that could impact the continent’s biggest tournament.