Cameroonian football chief faces scrutiny over $560,000 Russia match payment

Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), is under mounting pressure to explain the handling of funds linked to a friendly match between Cameroon and Russia held in Moscow on October 12, 2023.

The match, which ended in a 1–0 defeat for the Indomitable Lions, is now overshadowed by controversy following revelations about a 348 million CFA francs (approximately $560,000) participation bonus.

The bonus, paid by the Russian organisers, was reportedly transferred not to FECAFOOT’s official account, but to Eto’o’s personal bank account in Qatar.

Sources close to the matter told Cfoot that the 348 million CFA francs represented 80% of the total contractual sum agreed upon between the Russian and Cameroonian football authorities.

According to those same sources, all expenses related to the match — including visas, flights, accommodation, transport, and meals — were fully covered by the Russian hosts.

However, this financial package did not prevent FECAFOOT from requesting and receiving an additional 559 million CFA francs from the Cameroonian state for the same event, triggering accusations of double funding and misappropriation.

“How can money meant for an institution be routed through a private individual’s account? This raises serious concerns about governance,” said one sports finance analyst.

“The FECAFOOT Disciplinary and Ethics Committee must launch a swift and transparent investigation into what could amount to financial embezzlement and misuse of public funds.”

The controversy comes at a time when Samuel Eto’o’s leadership is increasingly under scrutiny, with critics citing growing concerns over transparency and accountability in the management of Cameroonian football.

The FECAFOOT leadership has not yet issued a public response.

Calls are now growing louder for the federation to clarify the financial arrangements surrounding the Russia friendly, amid fears that the integrity of Cameroonian football could be further undermined if the issue remains unresolved.