FILE PHOTO: President of the Cameroonian Football Federation and former professional footballer Samuel Eto'o speaks on the day of the 74th FIFA Congress at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, in Bangkok, Thailand, May 17, 2024. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo
(Reuters) - The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) believes the six-month stadium ban imposed by FIFA on its president Samuel Eto’o is the result of a misunderstanding and have not ruled out a legal challenge, a statement said on Tuesday.
Eto’o has been barred from attending Cameroon national team matches after being found guilty of "offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play", FIFA said on Monday.
This was following the Cameroon women’s Under-20 team's loss to Brazil in their round of 16 match at the World Cup in Colombia on Sept. 11.
FECAFOOT admitted Eto’o confronted the match officials after the 3-1 extra-time defeat, but maintain this was done in a cordial manner.
"The Brazilian team’s equaliser was irrevocably tainted by a number of irregularities," FECAFOOT said.
"It is worth noting that during the (group stage) match between Cameroon and Colombia, which was officiated by the same referee (Maria Sole Ferrieri from Italy), an obvious penalty was unfortunately not given to the Cameroonian team."
The statement said Eto’o had "respectfully brought to the attention of the officials the errors which, unfortunately for Cameroon, altered the results of the two matches."
The Cameroonian governing body added it is "surprised and disappointed by this unfortunate decision, which appears to be based on a misinterpretation of the actions of its president.
"He (Eto’o) is entitled to use the legal means at his disposal to ensure justice is done in this matter."
(Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Toby Davis)
