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Samuel Eto’o, a former Barcelona striker, has been named President of the Cameroon Football Association (Fecafoot).
During Saturday’s tense elections, the 40-year-old defeated his single opponent, Seidou Mbombo Njoya. The election was meant to be contested by seven candidates, however five of them dropped out on election day.
This left Eto’o and Mbombo Njoya, the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) fourth vice-president, to compete for the top post.
The four-time African Footballer of the Year, on the other hand, emerged triumphant after receiving more votes than his opponent. The former Chelsea and Inter Milan player had been actively lobbying and had gained backing from a number of high-profile sportsmen, including Lionel Messi.
I’ll be remembering today as one of the proudest moments of my life. I’m deeply grateful for to be elected as the new president of @FecafootOfficie. Every vote represents the energy and ambition of our football family to take our beloved sport to a level we’ve never seen before. pic.twitter.com/2z8fjLBMLA
— Samuel Eto'o (@SamuelEtoo) December 11, 2021
“We have to bring footballers to the centre of our policies. It is our role to ensure that those who play this discipline make a decent living out of it,” In his winning speech, Eto’o stated.
During his tenure, Eto’o has committed to increase investment in Cameroonian football and to build at least ten stadiums.
His first major responsibility as President of Fecafoot will be to secure the successful hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations in January and February 2022.
Eto’o had a trophy-laden club and international career, becoming the first player to win back-to-back trebles with Barcelona and Inter Milan after winning the league, cup, and Champions League with both clubs.
He was also a member of the Cameroon squad that won the AFCON in 2000 and 2002, as well as Olympic Gold in 2000.
