In a landmark ruling, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has overturned the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to exclude Samuel Eto’o from the upcoming CAF Executive Committee elections, ordering his immediate reinstatement.
The verdict, delivered on March 7, 2025, in Lausanne, Switzerland, marks a significant win for the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) and Eto’o, who had fiercely contested his removal from the candidate list.
CAF initially omitted Eto’o’s name on January 25, 2025, citing procedural concerns. However, the decision was widely criticized, with FECAFOOT and Eto’o viewing it as an unjust move to sideline a prominent football leader. Determined to challenge the ruling, Eto’o lodged an appeal with CAS on February 5.
CAS not only ruled in Eto’o’s favor but also directed CAF to cover CHF 8,000 in legal fees. Additionally, the CAF Appeals Board had recently dismissed the Disciplinary Board’s initial ruling, stating that it lacked jurisdiction over the matter.
He now gears up for the March 12 elections in Cairo, remaining focused on reforms, accountability, and the development of African football at all levels.
