Samuel Eto’o defends support for Infantino in 2027 vote

Samuel Eto’o has reaffirmed his support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, despite growing opposition from UEFA and criticism from former African football stars. The president of the Cameroon Football Federation says Infantino’s work has given less wealthy federations greater scope to develop the game.

Eto’o pointed to FIFA Forward, which helped finance the construction of the Cameroon federation’s headquarters and is intended to support the development of more African talent. He argued that federations operating with budgets of about €150,000 cannot approach football’s major powers on equal terms without outside investment.

The former Cameroon striker also defended Infantino’s abandoned proposal to place part of the World Cup rights in the hands of private investors. He believes such a decision should be made by all 211 FIFA member associations rather than dictated by UEFA, and said the issue could return after the 2027 election.

Eto’o acknowledged that Infantino may have personal interests, but said the funding reaching smaller federations remained more important to his assessment. He does not intend to change position, even if Infantino faces a serious challenge in March 2027.