Samuel Eto’o Backs Infantino as Pressure Mounts on FIFA President

Former Cameroon football star Samuel Eto’o has publicly defended FIFA President Gianni Infantino as pressure continues to grow over his leadership of world football. Eto’o, who is now president of the Cameroonian Football Federation, said he does not believe Infantino has done anything wrong. He suggested that some of the criticism against the FIFA president could be linked to the upcoming FIFA presidential election, scheduled for 2027. Infantino has faced growing opposition following the collapse of a controversial proposal involving private investment in FIFA competitions, including the Wo

Former Cameroon football star Samuel Eto’o has publicly defended FIFA President Gianni Infantino as pressure continues to grow over his leadership of world football. Eto’o, who is now president of the Cameroonian Football Federation, said he does not believe Infantino has done anything wrong. He suggested that some of the criticism against the FIFA president could be linked to the upcoming FIFA presidential election, scheduled for 2027. Infantino has faced growing opposition following the collapse of a controversial proposal involving private investment in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have raised concerns about FIFA’s direction, while some football officials are reportedly considering a possible vote of no confidence. Eto’o, however, praised Infantino for what he described as his contribution to African football. He said the FIFA president had created more opportunities for smaller football nations to participate in major tournaments and had helped African football federations develop. The Confederation of African Football has also reaffirmed its support for Infantino. The FIFA president is also facing criticism from a group of former international players, including Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Petit, Robert Pires and Briana Scurry. The group has called for structural reforms at FIFA and greater involvement of players and fans in decisions affecting the sport. With the 2027 FIFA presidential election approaching, the growing disagreement could become an important test for Infantino. While he continues to receive strong backing from parts of African football, opposition from several football bodies and former players is putting increasing pressure on his leadership and the future direction of FIFA.