Samuel Eto'o backs Infantino over World Cup sale plan

Samuel Eto'o has come to Gianni Infantino's defence as the FIFA president faces continuing criticism over his proposal to involve private investors in the World Cup. The Cameroon federation president said Infantino had not acted wrongly and argued that African football should recognise his contribution to the continent's federations.

Speaking to CNN on Monday, Eto'o said Infantino had changed football and deserved support for his work. He also linked the current dispute to next year's FIFA presidential election, noting that Infantino is currently the only declared candidate for the position.

Infantino's plan emerged shortly after the 2026 World Cup and met strong opposition from fans and football figures. The proposal was later withdrawn after European, Asian and American confederations rejected it, while the Confederation of African Football maintained its support for FIFA and its president.

Eto'o remains in favour of the idea and wants Infantino to put it forward again if he wins re-election next year. He believes private investment could have strengthened Africa's influence in football and helped prevent talented African players from ending up representing other countries. The former Barcelona forward also continues to hope that Kylian Mbappe could one day play for Cameroon.