Samuel Eto'o backs embattled FIFA president Gianni Infantino amid World Cup plan controversy

Infantino faced scrutiny after a proposal to secure private investment for FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup, collapsed. UEFA has threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions, and several continental and national federations have withdrawn support. Eto'o, president of the Cameroonian football federation, dismissed criticism, suggesting it is political maneuvering ahead of next year's FIFA presidential election.

Infantino's plan, which would have distributed funding to FIFA's 211 member associations, was abandoned due to strong opposition. The FIFA president faces potential no-confidence vote, with UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and Concacaf expressing concerns. However, the Confederation of African Football CAF unanimously reconfirmed its support for Infantino earlier this month, a position Eto'o aligns with.

Eto'o stated that Infantino has changed football by providing opportunities for nations to participate in the World Cup and helping African federations develop, urging African countries to support him.