“Eto’o has a significant contribution to make,” said Motsepe

Cameroon icon Samuel Eto’o will have a lasting impact on African football, according to CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who was elected to the CAF executive committee.

Notwithstanding Eto’o’s contentious past in recent years, Motsepe has defended the former Barcelona and Inter Milan player.

Previously, Eto’o was prohibited from participating in both men’s and women’s international football games due to “offensive behavior” during the Women’s U20 World Cup in Colombia in 2024. Following his appointment as a brand ambassador for a betting company, the vocal retired football player was also suspended by CAF.

But last week, Eto’o’s ban was successfully challenged, allowing him to keep working for CAF. For this reason, Motsepe has urged the group and supporters to put Eto’o’s past mishaps behind them.

The National Online Nigeria reports that Motsepe stated, “The most important thing is that we must support him,” since Eto’o was voted as one of the leaders of African football.

Everyone at CAF has a responsibility to make sure that past Eto’o events stay in the past.

Nothing from the past should be used against him now. I think he can make a significant impact.

“Under Samuel’s leadership, Cameroon will revert to its heyday.”