Samuel Eto’o urges support for embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino

What the report says

Former Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o has publicly defended FIFA President Gianni Infantino, arguing that the Swiss football chief “hasn’t done anything wrong” despite growing calls for him to step down. Al Jazeera reported the comments on 24 August 2026, noting that Eto’o now heads the Cameroonian Football Federation and spoke in support of Infantino amid a widening dispute over FIFA’s direction.

The controversy centres on a failed plan to bring private investment into FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup. According to the report, the proposal collapsed after strong resistance from several football bodies, while UEFA threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions and other continental and national federations withdrew backing. Infantino is also facing the possibility of a no-confidence move ahead of next year’s FIFA presidential election.

Eto’o said the criticism was tied to election politics and praised Infantino for broadening access for smaller football nations. His remarks align with the Confederation of African Football’s earlier decision to reaffirm support for the FIFA president. He also urged African countries to stand behind Infantino, saying the administrator has helped the continent’s federations develop faster.

At the same time, a separate group of former international players, including several FIFA legends and World Cup winners, called for urgent reform at the governing body. They said football’s leadership has drifted from the sport’s core values and pressed for a greater voice for players and fans. The competing statements highlight the split over Infantino’s leadership and the broader debate over how world football should be governed.