Eto’o calls on African football to back Infantino, hails FIFA President’s impact

Cameroon Football Federation president Samuel Eto’o has urged African football leaders to support FIFA president Gianni Infantino, arguing that his leadership has significantly accelerated the development of football across the continent.

Eto’o made the comments in an interview with French sports newspaper L’Équipe, amid growing scrutiny of Infantino ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027. 

The former Cameroon captain credited Infantino with helping African football associations strengthen their structures and providing greater opportunities for nations that have historically struggled to qualify for the World Cup.

“President Gianni Infantino has changed football,” Eto’o said.

According to the FECAFOOT president, African federations have benefited from Infantino’s approach to development and should acknowledge the progress made during his tenure.

“Mr. Infantino has helped our continent. He has helped our federations develop much more quickly, and we have to recognise that. We should support him for everything he has achieved so far,” he added.

Eto’o also pointed to the expansion of the FIFA World Cup as one of Infantino’s major contributions to the global game.

“He has given opportunities to nations that had never had the chance to take part in the greatest tournament of all, the World Cup,” the former Barcelona and Inter Milan forward said. 

Africa secured nine direct places at the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup, compared with five places at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, highlighting the increased representation available to the continent under the expanded format.