RismadarVoice Reporters
September 3, 2026
Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) president Samuel Eto’o has called on African football leaders to continue supporting FIFA president Gianni Infantino, crediting him with contributing to the growth of football associations across the continent and expanding opportunities for African nations at the World Cup.
Eto’o, speaking in an interview with French sports newspaper L’Equipe, said Infantino had played a significant role in changing global football and helping African federations develop at a faster pace.
“President Gianni Infantino has changed football,” Eto’o said, adding that African football authorities should recognise what the FIFA president has achieved and support his leadership.
The former Cameroon captain highlighted the expansion of the FIFA World Cup as one of Infantino’s major contributions, noting that more countries have gained opportunities to compete on football’s biggest stage. Under the expanded 48-team format, Africa received nine direct qualification places for the 2026 World Cup, compared with five places at the 2022 tournament.
Eto’o’s comments come amid growing disagreements between FIFA and some football authorities, particularly in Europe, over Infantino’s leadership and proposed reforms. While some confederations have raised concerns about FIFA’s direction, African football officials have remained more supportive of the FIFA president.
The FECAFOOT president argued that African federations face different financial realities compared with wealthier football nations and require greater support to compete globally.
He said increased investment could help African countries retain more talented players who often move to European football, citing players of African heritage who represent European national teams.
Infantino is expected to seek another term as FIFA president at the organisation’s congress scheduled for March 2027, with Eto’o among the prominent African football figures backing his leadership.
