FIFA: Samuel Eto'o's advocacy for Gianni Infantino
While the FIFA president is going through an unprecedented period of turbulence, Samuel Eto'o has chosen absolute loyalty. In an interview with France 24, the head of Cameroonian football renewed his support for Gianni Infantino, calling on all African federations to unite behind the Italo-Swiss leader ahead of the upcoming elective congress of the international body.
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A presidency under fire from Western critics
Gianni Infantino's governance is faced with unprecedented challenges. The origins of this crisis date back to the partial privatization project of the World Cup, aiming to sell shares of the flagship tournament to private investors. Although the initiative was abandoned due to diplomatic pressure, it caused a rift within the bodies of world football.
UEFA, the AFC and CONCACAF are now calling for the leader’s resignation, with the European confederation notably preparing a complaint for “mismanagement.” At the same time, former figures of African football, such as the Congolese Constant Omari, are denouncing political pressures and alleged compromising files held by FIFA against local authorities.
“Our budgets are limited”
In response to the revolt led by Europe, Samuel Eto'o proposes an interpretation focused on the socio-economic priorities of the African continent. For the president of Fécafoot, interviewed by France 24, UEFA’s criticisms reflect financial interests of their own that do not correspond to the realities faced by CAF's 54 federations:
“We don’t have the same challenges as the Europeans or some South Americans. Our budgets are limited and we’re asked to be as competitive as these great footballing nations. I think that, just for that reason, you’ll agree with me that we can’t approach this issue from the same angle.”
Rejecting the idea of interference or intimidation tactics within his federation, the former striker defends a position of collective independence: “UEFA will defend its interests, which is normal. But what is equally normal is that Africans defend their own interests. We are trying to come together to defend what seems right to us given the challenges we have to face.”
The objective of the 54 African votes
Officially a candidate for his own succession, Gianni Infantino will need a simple majority among FIFA’s 211 member federations. In this context, support from the African bloc represents a major strategic reserve of 54 votes. Samuel Eto’o intends to play a leading role in mobilizing his peers in favor of the outgoing president:
“For me personally, President Gianni, beyond football, has become an older brother, a friend with whom we have built things that serve and will serve football. If I remain president of the Cameroonian Federation, I will vote for him. I will advocate with my colleagues so that, for once, all 54 CAF presidents vote in his favor. I believe the one who has contributed most to Africa is President Gianni.”