Sports

More trouble for Samuel Eto’o as CAF launches investigation into sexual abuse, match fixing allegations

Published

1 year ago

August 10, 2023

Former Cameroonian international striker and current President of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot), Samuel Eto’o, is in all sorts of trouble as Confederation of African Football (CAF) says it is investigating allegations of improper conduct including sexual harassment of staff of the federation and match fixing.

The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker, who was elected Fecafoot President in December 2021, has been in the eye of the storm following a plethora of allegations that have dogged his tenure. In recent times, the 42-year-old legend has had to contend with a series of troubles including a recent paternity case where he had to fork out a huge amount to settle his estranged daughter.

CAF’s resolve to investigate the Cameroonian agent came after a group of amateur clubs in the country called on Eto’o to resign, accusing him of “grave irregularities” and match fixing to favour a club he had interest in.

The group also called on Cameroon’s Sports Minister to intervene, as well as mentioning the possibility of asking FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, to also investigate Eto’o.

In a statement from CAF on Wednesday, the African football governing body said it had received written statements from several Cameroonian football stakeholders and would be looking into the requests based on and in accordance with the CAF statutes and regulations.

The statement added that on first impression, the allegations looked serious but noted that Eto’o would be presumed innocent until an appropriate judicial body concluded otherwise.

The four-time African Footballer of the Year has also had issues with Fecafoot following his appointment of former teammate, Rigobert Song, and falling out with senior players including goalkeeper, Andre Onana, who accused him of highhandeness.

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Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

13 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and Leicester City winger, Abdul Fatawu, has been ruled out of the rest of the EPL season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 AFCON match during the international break.

Leicester coach, Steve Cooper, who announced the news on Thursday, said the 20-year-old enterprising player suffered a “serious” knee injury which will see him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of his side’s home tie against Chelsea on Saturday.

“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” the gaffer said.

Fatawu has been a key player for the Foxes, helping them gain promotion last season and has played 11 times for them in the league during the present campaign, scoring two goals.

Sports

SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”