(Video) Former Barcelona Star throws support behind FIFA boss Gianni Infantino

Cameroonian football legend and current FA President Samuel Etoo has publicly thrown his weight behind embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino, defending the Swiss-Italian administrator against fierce opposition regarding plans to introduce private investment into global football competitions.

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The private investment controversy

Infantino has been under immense pressure following the collapse of a highly controversial project aimed at attracting private equity into FIFA tournaments including the World Cup and the expanded Club World Cup.

While reports suggested the plan would have provided massive financial injections for FIFA's 211 member associations, it faced fierce resistance.

The UEFA explicitly threatened to boycott FIFA competitions while several other continental and national federations across Asia (AFC) & North America (CONCACAF) withdrew their support, raising the possibility of a vote of no confidence against Infantino.

Eto'o dismisses "Political" campaign

Despite the global pushback, Eto'o remains a steadfast ally. Speaking to American network CNN, the former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea striker categorized the backlash as a calculated move ahead of the upcoming FIFA presidential elections.

"I do not think Infantino has done anything wrong.. I think the timing of all this is linked to the upcoming elections next year" Eto'o stated.

Africa stands with Infantino

Eto'o's remarks align perfectly with the broader geopolitical stance of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) which recently reaffirmed its unanimous support for Infantino.

The Cameroonian executive urged other African nations to remain loyal to the FIFA President, citing the tangible benefits he has brought to the continent.

"President Infantino has changed football.. He has given opportunities to countries that did not have such chances to participate in the most beautiful tournament in the world, the World Cup. He also allowed smaller countries to have seats in these competitions" Eto'o explained.

Eto'o concluded with a strong call for gratitude:

"He helped our continent. He helped our federations develop at a much faster pace and we must acknowledge that. We have to accept and recognize what he has achieved, and we should support him in appreciation of everything he has provided so far"

The current standoff highlights a massive geopolitical fracture within world football. While European and North American federations push back against Infantino’s aggressive commercial expansion and congested match calendars, his power base in Africa and smaller developing nations remains ironclad.

Infantino’s strategy of redistributing wealth and expanding tournament access ensures that federations like CAF will continue to act as his ultimate political shield against UEFA's dominance.

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Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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