Cameroon Football Federation president Samuel Eto’o has defended FIFA president Gianni Infantino as pressure continues to grow around the world football governing body’s leader ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Eto’o, who is also Cameroon’s all-time leading goalscorer, believes the criticism directed at Infantino is largely connected to the timing of the upcoming election rather than dissatisfaction with his performance as FIFA president.
Infantino has faced increasing opposition from several football associations following a controversial proposal involving FIFA’s commercial tournament rights. The dispute has intensified ahead of the March 2027 election, in which Infantino is seeking another term.
Eto’o has now spoken out in support of the FIFA president, arguing that the growing calls for opposition are being driven by the approaching vote.
“I think the timing of all of that is because there’s an election coming out, when Gianni Infantino is standing. All of this has happened because there’s an election coming out, that’s all there is,” Eto’o told CNN on Monday.
The former Cameroon striker also praised Infantino’s leadership, particularly his efforts to expand opportunities for countries that have traditionally had less influence or representation in major international competitions.
Eto’o said the FIFA president had helped give smaller nations greater access to the World Cup and described the changes under his leadership as positive for global football.
“President Gianni Infantino has changed football. He’s given opportunities to nations that didn’t have those opportunities to take part in the most beautiful tournament, the World Cup. He enabled smaller nations to get seats at these competitions,” Eto’o added.
Infantino’s position has come under pressure following a proposal to sell a 20% stake in FIFA’s commercial tournament rights.
The controversy has contributed to calls for a vote of no confidence in the FIFA president, while several major football governing bodies have considered whether they can continue to support his leadership.
UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF are among the continental bodies considering opposition to Infantino.
Despite the growing criticism in some regions, Infantino continues to receive strong backing from Africa’s football governing body, CAF.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe recently confirmed that the confederation remains behind Infantino. Motsepe has also indicated that Infantino’s position should ultimately be decided through the FIFA presidential election in 2027.
That stance puts CAF at odds with several other major continental football organisations that have been questioning Infantino’s leadership.
For now, Infantino remains FIFA president and is preparing for a potentially contested election in March 2027.
The growing opposition has created a significant challenge for the FIFA leader, particularly as several football associations reconsider their support.
However, Eto’o’s intervention provides Infantino with continued backing from one of African football’s most prominent figures.
The former striker’s comments also align with the position taken by CAF, which has maintained its support for the FIFA president despite the criticism surrounding him.
Eto’o’s argument is that the current political dispute should be viewed in the context of the approaching FIFA election. In his assessment, the increased scrutiny of Infantino has more to do with the contest for the presidency than with a fundamental disagreement over his record.
Infantino’s supporters have pointed to changes during his time in charge, including increased opportunities for countries that have historically struggled to reach the biggest international tournaments.
Eto’o highlighted that aspect of Infantino’s leadership as evidence of the impact he believes the FIFA president has had on the sport.
The FIFA president must nevertheless contend with opposition from a number of football organisations as the 2027 election approaches.
Whether the growing resistance develops into a formal challenge to his position remains to be seen.
For the moment, however, Infantino retains his role, with CAF and Eto’o among those continuing to back him.
With the election still ahead, the FIFA president will now have to navigate the criticism while attempting to maintain enough support across the global football community to secure another term.
