The President of the Cameroon Football Federation, Samuel Et'o, insists that leaders of African football must have the opportunity to speak out openly and defend the continent's interests, especially following a new wave of criticism directed against it.
Et'o's comments came after several European media outlets reported that he had become the subject of a complaint regarding alleged financial mismanagement during a friendly match between Cameroon and Russia, which took place in Moscow in October 2023. Et'o rejected these reports, calling their timing and similarity signs of a coordinated campaign against him.
This dispute arose against the backdrop of Et'o's recent public support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who is under pressure ahead of the upcoming FIFA election congress. Et'o called on African football associations to unite around the head of the world football body.
He suggested that his stance might have provoked the latest criticism, adding that some commentators felt uncomfortable with the African football leader openly defending his beliefs. Et'o also questioned what he termed double standards in discussions about democracy and freedom of expression.
"We have the right to speak. We have the right to defend our interests. We have the right to think independently and make decisions regarding our football," stated Et'o.