Samuel Eto’o, a member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has strongly criticized the governing body’s controversial decision to award the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco.
Reacting to the ruling, Eto’o expressed deep concern over the implications of the decision on the credibility of African football, warning that it could undermine the continent’s standing on the global stage.
“I do not agree with this decision,” Eto’o said. “Actions like this reduce the value of AFCON in the eyes of the international community.”
The former African Footballer of the Year further questioned the precedent such actions could set, suggesting that repeated controversies could erode respect for African competitions.
“If such situations continue to happen, how do we expect other continents to respect African football?” he asked.
Eto’o also criticized CAF for revisiting a matter he believes should have remained closed, arguing that doing so risks damaging the integrity of the tournament.
“We should have preserved the atmosphere and integrity of the final,” he said. “Reopening an issue that has already passed is seriously damaging the image and reputation of AFCON—not only in Africa, but across the world.”
The CAF decision has sparked debate across the football community, with stakeholders divided over the ruling and its broader implications for governance and fairness in African football.
