On Monday, Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Cameroon Football Federation, was photographed getting into a “violent confrontation” with a supporter after Brazil’s 2022 World Cup match against South Korea.
During the World Cup in Qatar, a viral video purported to show Eto’o, 41, kneeing a spectator in the face.
After Brazil’s 4-1 round-of-16 victory against South Korea, the incident took place outside Stadium 974 in Doha.
On Tuesday, Eto’o released a statement on his social media accounts acknowledging the occurrence. It said: “On December 5, after the Brazil-South Korea match, I had a violent altercation with a person who was probably an Algerian supporter.
“I would like to apologise for losing my temper and reacting in a way that does not match my personality. I apologise to the public for this unfortunate incident.
“I pledge to continue to resist the relentless provocation and daily harassment of some Algerian supporters. Indeed, since the Cameroon-Algeria match on 29 March in Bilad, I have been the target of insults and allegations of cheating without any evidence.
“During this World Cup, Cameroonian fans have been harassed and pestered by Algerians on the same subject.
“I would like to mention that the scenario of Algeria’s defeat was cruel but perfectly in line with the rules and ethics of our sport.
“All the appeals made by the Algerian Football Federation to the competent jurisdictions have been rejected.
“I therefore call on the Algerian authorities and Federation to take their responsibilities to put an end to this unhealthy climate before a more serious tragedy occurs.
“To Fennecs’ (Cameroonian) fans, I wish that they find peace and manage to overcome the disappointment of a painful defeat, now behind us.”
