Cameroonian police have initiated an investigation into allegations of match-fixing involving football legend Samuel Eto’o. The former Barcelona striker, who has been serving as the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) since December 2021, faces accusations of being involved in a match-fixing scandal in Cameroon’s second tier.
The claims emerged following the release of a recording in which Eto’o is alleged to be speaking to Valentine Nkwain, the president of Victoria United, known as ‘Bobdidy.’ According to the accusations reported by Camfoot, Eto’o supposedly promised to manipulate matches to facilitate Victoria United’s promotion from the second division—a claim vehemently denied by both Eto’o and Nkwain, who dispute the authenticity of the recording.
Police have officially confirmed the launch of an investigation into the matter, focusing on potential charges of “abuse of authority and corruption.” The investigation will also delve into broader allegations of corruption within Fecafoot during Eto’o’s tenure, involving as many as 40 individuals.
In the recorded conversation, Eto’o is allegedly heard suggesting that certain actions could be taken to influence the outcome of a game, ensuring Victoria United’s promotion. Eto’o purportedly assured Nkwain that the referee would be suspended, and the team would secure the necessary points for promotion. Despite these allegations, Victoria United was indeed promoted in April.
Eto’o, in his defense, claimed in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport in June that he was merely speaking to a friend who was investing in football and wanted to elevate his club’s standing in Cameroon. He emphasized that he was reassuring his friend that he would do everything possible to prevent refereeing errors against him.
This investigation comes on the heels of a group of football officials in Cameroon urging FIFA to take action against Eto’o for a series of incidents, including a reported “violent altercation” with an Algerian journalist at the World Cup in Qatar last year. The group, including Pierre Semengue, president of the Professional Football League of Cameroon, questioned how Eto’o has been allowed to continue in the Fecafoot presidency despite alleged misconduct.
While CAF opened an investigation into “certain alleged improper conduct” by Eto’o in early August, no official action has been taken as of now.
