Samuel Eto'o banned by FIFA for violating conduct rules during Under-20 Women's World Cup

Eto'o has been charged with violating conduct rules at the recent Under-20 Women's World Cup during a match between Cameroon and Brazil. He has been banned for six months and sanctioned for breaching articles related to offensive behaviour and misconduct.

FIFA's Disciplinary Committee released a statement saying: "The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the President of the Cameroonian Football Association (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto’o, with a six-month ban from attending matches of Cameroon’s representative teams for breaches of articles 13 (Offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play) and 14 (Misconduct of players and officials) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

"The sanction was imposed in connection with the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ round-of-16 match between Brazil and Cameroon played in Bogotá, Colombia, on 11 September 2024. The ban imposed on Mr Eto’o prevents him from attending men’s and women’s matches involving FECAFOOT teams of all categories and age groups. Mr Eto’o has been notified today, the date on which the sanction comes into force."

Eto'o's ban is not the first time he has been in the spotlight for poor behaviour. The former Barcelona and Chelsea striker previously was alleged to have threatened players and Cameroon coach Marc Brys and also assaulted a fan outside a stadium during the Qatar World Cup in 2022.

It is unknown whether Eto'o will return to his role once the six-month ban ends. Either way, he is treading on thin ice when it comes to representing his nation off the pitch.