Samuel Eto’o backs Gianni Infantino amid growing FIFA Pressure

Former Cameroon captain Samuel Eto’o has thrown his support behind FIFA President Gianni Infantino as pressure continues to mount on the FIFA chief ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Eto’o, who currently serves as president of the Cameroon Football Federation, dismissed calls for Infantino to step down, insisting that he does not believe the FIFA president has done anything wrong. According to Eto’o, much of the criticism surrounding Infantino is linked to the upcoming FIFA election. He argued that the timing of the controversy is significant because Infantino is seeking re-election in March 2027.

The former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea striker also praised Infantino’s impact on world football, particularly his efforts to provide greater opportunities for nations that previously struggled to compete at the highest level.

“He has changed football,” Eto’o said, highlighting Infantino’s role in expanding opportunities for smaller football nations and supporting the development of African federations. Eto’o also defended Infantino’s controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which involved private investment linked to FIFA tournament commercial rights.

Although the proposal was abandoned following widespread opposition, Eto’o believes it could still benefit African football if discussions are reopened.
While several football figures and federations have increased pressure on Infantino, Eto’o remains firmly behind the FIFA president and believes his leadership should ultimately be judged through the democratic election process.

Ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election approaching, Infantino’s battle to retain his position is expected to remain one of the biggest stories in world football governance.

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