Samuel Eto’o Defends Infantino Amid Growing FIFA Pressure, Blames Criticism On Upcoming Election

Cameroon FA president, Samuel Eto’o defends Gianni Infantino, saying criticism of the FIFA chief is largely driven by the upcoming election.

Cameroon Football Federation president, and former international star, Samuel Eto’o has thrown his support behind FIFA President Gianni Infantino, insisting that the FIFA chief has “not done anything wrong” despite growing criticism of his leadership.

“I don’t think that President Gianni Infantino has done anything wrong,” Eto’o said in an exclusive interview with CNN.

The former Cameroon captain attributed much of the criticism surrounding Infantino to the upcoming FIFA presidential election.

“All of this is happening because there is an election coming up. That’s all there is,” Eto’o said.

Infantino has faced mounting scrutiny over his leadership, including controversy surrounding the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise, a plan designed to attract private investment around FIFA’s commercial and media rights.

The proposal faced opposition from several football bodies before it was ultimately withdrawn.

Despite the controversy, Eto’o praised Infantino’s impact on the game, particularly his efforts to expand opportunities for smaller football nations and increase support for African football associations.

“President Gianni Infantino has changed football,” Eto’o said, defending the FIFA president’s record and arguing that his initiatives could continue to benefit African football.

Eto’o’s comments come as Infantino faces increasing pressure from sections of world football ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election, adding a prominent African voice to the defence of his leadership.