Brazil’s FIFA WC Nightmare Hit With Massive Scandal as Barcelona Legend “Desperate to Professionalise” the Country’s Soccer After Incredible Campaign in Qatar
Follow Us
Samuel Eto’o became the President of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot) in December 2021. One of the promises he made was to combat the issue of age fraud and bring back professionalism in the country’s soccer. As a part of his promises, the former Barcelona striker unearthed the biggest scandal in the country’s soccer.
It may result now in Cameroon struggling to gather a team for the U-17 African Cup of Nations qualifiers. Fecafoot has suspended a total of 32 players so far that were called to the U-17 tournament amidst the age fraud scandal.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Samuel Eto’o aims to raise the image of Cameroonian soccer
The former Barcelona striker took over the reins of Fecafoot in December 2021. He is in with a vision for improving the image of soccer in Cameroon and Africa. The Athletic quotes, “Eto’o, 41, is desperate to professionalize the footballing culture of a country that beat Brazil at the recent World Cup but has only got past the group stage of the sport’s biggest global competition once — in 1990.”
Trending
Manchester City Team News – Phil Foden And Ruben Dias’ Expected Return Date, Injury Latest On Ederson
April 28, 2024 07:14 PM EDT
Fact Check: Is Lionel Messi’s Mother Lebanese? Uncovering the Truth Behind Celia’s Nationality
March 30, 2024 02:46 PM EDT
Pep Guardiola’s Net Worth in 2024: How Much Does the Manchester City Boss Earn From Salary, Endorsements & More
March 04, 2024 07:18 AM EST
Alex Morgan Return Update- San Diego Wave Injury Latest Vs Bay FC
April 27, 2024 04:30 PM EDT
How Good Is Arne Slot? Career Stats Explored as Liverpool Reaches Agreement- Trophies, Win-Loss Record, Teams Coached & More
April 27, 2024 08:32 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Soccer stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
As part of these efforts, Eto’o ordered MRI tests to know the age of the players called for the U-17 African Cup of Nations qualifiers. However, 21 of the initial 30 players have failed as MRI tests have shown they are overage last month. Now, an additional 11 players have failed the age tests leaving Fecafoot in concerns.
The qualifiers are set to begin this Thursday. Fecafoot will have put in efforts to put a squad in place for the qualifiers. Cameroon is in the group with the Republic of the Congo, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic. The top two teams will qualify for the continental tournament.
What’s next for the Cameroon federation?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It is not the first time that Cameroon faced such an issue. In 2017, Fecafoot banned 14 players from participating in the U-17 AFCON. Now, they have suspended 32 players who failed the age tests amidst speculations over the efficacy of MRI tests. FIFA introduced these tests in 2009 for the U-17 World Cup.
Age fraud is the biggest challenge not only for Cameroon but African soccer overall. Many previous winners of the competition at the junior level have faced such accusations. Fecafoot has shown a way to other federations, not only from Africa but worldwide, to act against age fraud.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this story: Breaking: Post Brittney Griner Special Request From Megan Rapinoe POTUS Confirms National Security Team Put To Work Amid Medal of Freedom Talks
It will be interesting to see how Fecafoot puts a team together for the qualifiers this week. They have suspended 32 players called so far. Also, this paves the way for further actions in the future to combat age fraud. Let us know your opinions.