Samuel Eto’o stands by Infantino as FIFA faces increasing scrutiny, attributing the criticism to the forthcoming election

Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroon FA, has come to the defense of Gianni Infantino, asserting that much of the criticism directed at the FIFA chief is primarily motivated by the forthcoming election.

Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation and a former international star, has expressed his support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, asserting that the FIFA chief has “not done anything wrong” in light of the increasing criticism surrounding his leadership.

“I believe that President Gianni Infantino has acted appropriately,” Eto’o stated in an exclusive interview with CNN.

The former Cameroon captain linked much of the criticism directed at Infantino to the impending FIFA presidential election.

“All of this criticism is occurring due to the upcoming election.” “That’s all there is,” Eto’o stated.

Infantino has encountered increasing criticism regarding his leadership, particularly concerning the contentious FIFA Forward Enterprise, a strategy aimed at drawing private investment related to FIFA’s commercial and media rights.

The proposal encountered resistance from multiple football organizations before it was eventually retracted.

Despite the controversy, Eto’o commended Infantino’s influence on the game, especially his initiatives to broaden opportunities for smaller football nations and enhance support for African football associations.

“President Gianni Infantino has transformed football,” Eto’o stated, supporting the FIFA president’s achievements and contending that his initiatives could further benefit African football.

Eto’o’s remarks arrive at a time when Infantino is under mounting scrutiny from various factions within global football as the 2027 FIFA presidential election approaches, providing a notable African perspective in support of his leadership.