Samuel Eto’o has responded to the growing scrutiny surrounding allegations over a €567,570 payment linked to Cameroon’s 2023 friendly against Russia, claiming the attacks against him are calculated and connected to his decision to speak out for African football.

Former FECAFOOT officials have questioned why the money was reportedly paid into an account in Eto’o’s name at Qatar National Bank rather than an official federation account. They have also said they raised the matter with FIFA’s Ethics Committee but received no response. The allegations have not been proven.

Eto’o has now pushed back against what he describes as coordinated criticism.

“It only took me to speak up to defend our interests, the interests of Africa, for them to all be out,” he said.

“Coincidentally, the same attacks, the same language elements, relayed almost simultaneously by journalists who are loyal to them.”

The Cameroon football chief believes his outspoken defence of African interests has made him a target.

“Those who spend their time giving us lessons in democracy seem to have much more trouble accepting it when an African speaks freely, defends his convictions and refuses to remain silent.”

Eto’o has been a vocal supporter of FIFA president Gianni Infantino and has publicly defended his leadership and contribution to African football.

He insists he will continue to speak out despite the criticism.

“We have the right to speak. We have the right to defend our interests. We have the right to think and decide for our football.”