Alioum Sidi did not let the accusation go unanswered. On September 3, 2026, the former international referee publicly and ‘firmly’ rejected claims made a day earlier by Samuel Eto’o, and demanded proof.
It started at a ceremony in Yaoundé on September 2: the graduation of Cameroon’s second cohort of referee schools, more than 250 graduates, named the ‘Samuel Eto’o Promotion.’ Addressing the young officials, the Fecafoot president warned against ‘toxic associations’ and accused ‘a former referee, a career military officer’ of playing ‘a harmful role’ against Cameroon’s national teams, citing the 2026 Women’s AFCON and a Cameroon-South Africa match — without ever naming him.
Alioum Sidi identified himself. He says Eto’o’s remarks damage his honour, professional integrity and patriotism, and cites a twenty-year career with six World Cups and nine AFCON tournaments as an official.
The dispute is rooted in an older conflict. Alioum Sidi has been at odds with Fecafoot since his removal from the federation’s General Assembly, a case still pending before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
By not naming his target, Eto’o avoids a defamation suit while sending a thinly veiled warning to active referees to pick a side — a method that turns a graduation ceremony into a public row.
The training of 250 officials was meant to showcase Cameroon’s officiating ahead of continental deadlines. It is now overshadowed by a feud that will also be settled before the CAS.
