Eto’o faces allegations of embezzlement in Cameroon FA presidency role

Ex-Chelsea and Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o faces fresh allegations over Cameroon FA finances under his presidency.The president of Cameroon football’s national association, Samuel Eto’o, is facing embezzlement allegations.The 45-year-old, who scored 56 goals in 118 appearances for Cameroon, has been accused by former executives of the Federation Camerounaise de Football (FECAFOOT).Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4VAR got goal award wrong in Manchester derby, says refs’ bodylist 2 of 4Arteta seethes at Sunderland penalty decision despite Arsenal winlist 3 of 4Hull City’s Sorba Thomas unharmed as car overturned in crashlist 4 of 4Arsenal manager Arteta ‘very surprised’ at Jesus blast over Barcelona moveend of listThey allege the former Chelsea and Barcelona striker redirected more than 567,000 euros ($665,000) in appearance fees meant for the federation into his personal bank account.The allegations were published in The Times newspaper in London. Al Jazeera requested a comment from FECAFOOT but did not receive a response.Eto’o is also a serving member of the executive on the board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Al Jazeera contacted the governing body for the sport on the continent but received no reply.It is understood that Eto’o denies all allegations made against him.The alleged embezzlement relates to payments by Russia for a friendly international against Cameroon in 2023.According to The Times, files seen by the newspaper show that two payments were requested to be paid into an account held by Eto’o with the Qatar National Bank in Doha, Qatar.The former FECAFOOT executives allege they were forced out of the federation under Eto’o. They told The Times that they submitted complaints to FIFA’s ethics committee more than a year ago but have received no substantive update on the investigations.Al Jazeera has contacted FIFA for a response.The allegations are the latest in a series of controversies surrounding Eto’o, including his suspension by CAF in January for four national team games for alleged misbehaviour during his team’s loss to Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations.