Cameroon football icon and FECAFOOT president, Samuel Eto’o, has endorsed Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president, rejecting criticisms directed at the Swiss football administrator.
Eto’o maintained that Infantino had committed no wrongdoing and suggested that some of the recent criticism could be connected to the forthcoming FIFA presidential election.
Speaking to CNN Sports, the former Barcelona and Inter Milan forward said, “I don’t think that President Gianni Infantino has done anything wrong.”
He added, “I think the timing of all of that is because there’s an election coming out.”
Eto’o also credited Infantino with introducing major changes to global football, particularly through the expansion of the World Cup and the increased participation of countries that previously had limited opportunities to feature at the tournament.
“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,” Eto’o said.
The former Cameroon international captain further praised Infantino for his contribution to African football, arguing that FIFA’s backing had enabled football associations across the continent to accelerate their development.
“He has helped our continent. He’s helped our federations to develop much more quickly. We need to acknowledge that.
“We need to accept and recognise what he’s done, and we should support him for everything he’s done up to now,” he added.
Infantino’s tenure has nevertheless faced growing scrutiny, with some football organisations questioning a number of decisions made under his leadership.
Despite the criticism, the FIFA president continues to enjoy significant support in Africa, with the Confederation of African Football having already backed his re-election campaign.
Eto’o’s comments further strengthen the support for Infantino as he seeks another term at the helm of world football.
