Samuel Eto'o defends Gianni Infantino over his impact on African football

The Cameroon Football Federation president has thrown his support behind FIFA president Gianni Infantino, arguing that his leadership has created more opportunities for African nations while helping struggling federations develop at a faster pace.

Speaking to French sports newspaper L'Equipe, Eto'o said African football leaders should recognise Infantino's contribution to the continent.

"President Gianni Infantino has changed football," Eto'o said, as reported by Al Jazeera.

"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."

Eto'o's comments come amid growing tensions between FIFA and UEFA, particularly over the governing body's financial and commercial plans.

The former Cameroon international believes the different economic realities of the two confederations make it difficult for African and European football leaders to have the same priorities.

"When you see some federations with budgets of 150,000 euros, how can they compete against the big countries?" he said.

"We will never be able to have the same perception of things as the big countries."

Africa received nine direct places at the 2026 World Cup, up from five at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, following the expansion of the competition to 48 teams.

Eto'o believes increased representation at the World Cup is one of the clearest benefits of Infantino's leadership.

"He has given opportunities to nations that had never had the chance to take part in the greatest tournament of all, the World Cup," he added.

The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker also highlighted the financial challenges that continue to affect African football, arguing that limited resources contribute to talented players leaving the continent for Europe.

"If we in Cameroon had the possibility of relying on a budget of 20m USD or 40m per year, of course we would have had players like (Kylian) Mbalenhle's and (Aurelien) Tchouameni," he said.

Infantino will seek re-election at the FIFA Congress on March 18, 2027. 

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