‘He Hasn’t Done Anything Wrong’ — Eto’o Backs Infantino’s Re-Election

Former Cameroon captain and President of the Cameroonian Football Federation, Samuel Eto’o, has backed Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, dismissing criticism of the Swiss administrator’s leadership.

Eto’o said he did not believe Infantino had done anything wrong and suggested that the timing of the criticism was linked to the approaching FIFA presidential election.

Speaking to CNN, the former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea forward said he believed the backlash against Infantino was largely driven by political manoeuvring ahead of next year’s election.

“I don’t think that President Gianni Infantino has done anything wrong,” Eto’o said.

He also praised Infantino for what he described as significant changes to world football, particularly the expansion of the FIFA World Cup and increased opportunities for smaller football nations.

According to Eto’o, Infantino has helped countries that previously had limited opportunities to participate at the highest level of international football.

The Cameroonian football chief also highlighted what he considered Infantino’s positive impact on African football, arguing that FIFA’s support had helped football federations across the continent develop more quickly.

Eto’o urged African countries to recognise Infantino’s contributions and support his continued leadership of FIFA.

“President Gianni Infantino has changed football,” he said, adding that the FIFA president had created opportunities for smaller nations and contributed to the development of African football.

Infantino has, however, come under increasing pressure following the collapse of a proposal to secure private investment in FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup.

Several football organisations have raised concerns over the direction of FIFA under his leadership, while some have reportedly withdrawn their support.

Despite the criticism, the Confederation of African Football has reaffirmed its support for Infantino, making Eto’o’s position consistent with the broader backing he continues to receive from African football.

The FIFA president remains under pressure, with discussions over his leadership expected to intensify ahead of the next presidential election.

Eto’o’s endorsement therefore represents another significant show of support for Infantino as the FIFA president seeks to retain his position and defend his record in office.