A FOOTBALL legend and ex-Chelsea star is being investigated by cops for alleged match fixing.
Former Blues striker Samuel Eto’o has been the president of Cameroon’s football federation since December 2021 – and is accused of helping to rig matches in the west African country’s second tier.
The allegations were first made in July, after a recording was leaked of a conversation between Eto’o and Victoria United president Valentine Nkwain, also known as Bobdidy.
In the recording, Eto’o allegedly promised to promote Victoria FC, nicknamed Opopo, from the second division to the top flight by fixing matches.
Camfoot reports that he allegedly said: “There are things we can do – but you have to be very discreet, brother.
“Don’t worry, we’ll give you your three points and we will suspend the referee.
Read More Sport
“Opopo must go up to the first division. This is our goal. This is our federation. Victoria United will go up.”
Victoria United went on to be promoted in April.
Eto’o denies the accusations, and Nkwain said it was not his voice on the recording.
Cops are now probing alleged “abuse of authority and corruption” in Cameroonian football involving 40 people.
Most read in Football
Eto’o told Gazzetta dello Sport he was “talking to a friend, someone who invests in football and wants to make his club one of the best in Cameroon”.
He added: “I just reassured him by saying that I would have done everything possible to avoid any refereeing errors against him.”
Eto’o scored 12 goals in his only season with Chelsea, including strikes against Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal and a hat-trick against Manchester United.
Despite this, a falling out with gaffer Jose Mourinho saw the player leave the club at the end of the 2013/14 season.
Eto’o joined Everton in the 2014/15 season, scoring on his debut against Chelsea in a 6-3 loss at Goodison Park.
He scored four goals during his short stay in Merseyside, leaving in January of that season to join Sampdoria.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
