Fabricated Statement Attributed to Eto’o Saying VIP Seating Section at CAN Reserved for Africans Only

Facebook accounts have recently shared an alleged statement attributed to former player and current president of the Cameroonian Football Federation, Samuel Eto’o. In the alleged statement, Eto’o says that Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo will be dedicated exclusively to African leagues’ officials and stars because the Africa Cup of Nations is for Africans. Eto’o is quoted as adding that the rest of the invitees will have the second row dedicated to them, including all non-African leagues’ officials and personalities, not excluding FIFA officials. The alleged statement concludes with a welcome to Cameroon message from Eto’o.

Another statement was attributed to Eto’o, in which he allegedly says, “we are not racist or anything like that. However, everything should be organized well, and everyone should sit in their respective place. It doesn’t make sense for Infantino (FIFA president) to sit in a higher place than Roger (Cameroonian footballer). After all, we respect our stars, the alleged statement concludes.

Some media outlets also said that these statements were taken from an interview between The Atlantic and Eto’o.

Description: The screenshots show the purported claim being shared on Facebook and media outlets.