CAF faces a leadership shake-up as Samuel Eto’o challenges his election disqualification at CAS, potentially disrupting African football’s governance structure.
African football has seen no shortage of power struggles but Samuel Eto’o’s latest legal battle may prove to be one of the most consequential in recent memory.
The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) president has taken his fight to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after being disqualified from contesting the upcoming Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee elections.
CAF cited ethical violations, including Eto’o’s partnership with betting company 1xBet and his past tax fraud conviction in Spain, as reasons for his exclusion.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
Coach Duncan Ayiemba revealed the behind-the-scenes challenges, including unexpected changes in Ferdinand Omanyala’s support team, that led to his disappointing performance in Budapest.
However, the former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker believes the decision is politically motivated, raising concerns about governance transparency within African football.
“If CAS rules in favour of Eto’o, CAF will be forced to reconsider its list of candidates,” said an insider with knowledge of the election process as quoted by African Soccer.
Eto’o is not alone in challenging CAF’s decisions. Two other prominent officials—Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas from Congo and MacLean Letshwiti of Botswana—have also appealed their disqualifications.
)
Everything that you need to know about Ezekiel Kemboi’s net worth, career, achievements, earnings, endorsements and personal life in 2025.
Both were excluded under controversial circumstances, further fueling allegations of selective enforcement of governance rules.
Mayolas’ disqualification stems from a FIFA-imposed six-month ban dating back to 2015, while Letshwiti’s rejection is linked to his failure to secure an endorsement from his own federation.
The latter’s case bears striking similarities to that of Cameroon’s Seidou Mbombo Njoya, the current CAF Vice President, who was also sidelined after FECAFOOT opted to back Eto’o instead.
The ongoing appeals could significantly impact the upcoming elections, scheduled for March 2025. If CAS sides with the appellants, CAF’s entire electoral process may need to be revised, throwing the organization’s leadership into further uncertainty.
)
Sha’Carri Richardson and Christian Coleman are keeping fans talking with their continued public displays of affection.
Eto’o’s exclusion has ignited debate over whether CAF’s governance committee is genuinely enforcing ethical standards or strategically sidelining key figures ahead of the elections.
The increased scrutiny of candidates in recent years has led to multiple disqualifications, but the high-profile nature of the current exclusions has intensified speculation about underlying political motives.
“We are witnessing a shift in power dynamics within CAF. Some officials are clearly being sidelined ahead of these crucial elections,” remarked a football governance expert.
Eto’o’s global stature and influence within African football make him a formidable figure and his removal from the race could significantly impact the direction of CAF leadership.
The fallout between Eto’o and Seidou Mbombo Njoya further complicates the political landscape. Njoya’s failure to secure an endorsement from FECAFOOT has effectively ended his CAF Vice Presidency aspirations, mirroring Letshwiti’s situation in Botswana.
CAS has formally requested a response from CAF regarding Eto’o’s appeal and its ruling will determine the next steps in this unfolding drama.
)
Olympics remain the most prestigious sporting event on the planet but which African nations have won the most medals at the Games?
A decision in Eto’o’s favor could force CAF to reinstate him and other excluded candidates, potentially altering the election landscape entirely.
Conversely, if CAS upholds CAF’s decision, Eto’o’s bid for a leadership role within African football will be over—at least for this election cycle.
CAF has yet to release an official statement on the matter, but with the elections fast approaching, the outcome of Eto’o’s appeal could shape the future of football governance in Africa for years to come.
