Former Cameroon captain and African football icon Samuel Eto’o has been handed a four-match ban and fined $20,000 (£14,960) after a Confederation of African Football (Caf) disciplinary panel found him guilty of misconduct.

In a statement, Caf said Eto’o, who is now president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), breached its principles of sportsmanship during the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final between Cameroon and hosts Morocco. The match, played in Rabat, ended in a 2-0 defeat for the Indomitable Lions.

The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker was reportedly seen making an angry gesture in reaction to several officiating decisions during the encounter. Caf president Patrice Motsepe, who was present in the stadium, is understood to have witnessed Eto’o’s visible frustration from the stands.

Earlier this week, Caf announced it had opened an investigation into what it described as “violent confrontations and unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials” during the tournament’s quarter-final matches. Eto’o’s case was part of that broader review, which the governing body said was aimed at upholding discipline and respect at its flagship competitions.

Fecafoot has strongly rejected Caf’s ruling, however, arguing that the disciplinary process “raises serious reservations about the fundamental requirements of a fair trial”. In a statement released on Wednesday, the federation expressed full support for its president and indicated that Eto’o is expected to appeal against the sanction, a move that could lead to a fresh examination of the case.

Despite the setback, Fecafoot officials have framed the situation as an opportunity to clarify procedures and reinforce good governance within African football. They stressed that Eto’o remains committed to his role and to the long-term development of the game in Cameroon.

Since taking office in 2021, Eto’o’s tenure as Fecafoot president has been marked by both ambition and controversy. While his legendary status as one of Africa’s greatest-ever players initially raised high expectations, his leadership period has also attracted criticism, including allegations of improper conduct, management challenges and claims of serious irregularities within the federation.

Sadio Mané delivered a moment of brilliance to propel Senegal into the Africa Cup of Nations final, scoring the decisive goal that ended Egypt’s campaign and once again denied Mohamed Salah his long-awaited AFCON title.

The Liverpool forward struck at a crucial moment in a tense semi-final encounter, underlining his importance to the Teranga Lions and confirming their place in the final for the third time in the last four editions of the tournament. Senegal, the reigning champions, showed composure, tactical discipline and experience to edge past a resilient Egyptian side that had hoped this year would finally bring continental glory to Salah.

Despite Egypt’s spirited performance and flashes of quality from their captain, Senegal’s organised approach and clinical finishing proved decisive. Mané’s winner sparked celebrations among Senegal’s players and supporters, reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s most consistent and dominant national teams in recent years.

For Egypt, the defeat marked another painful chapter in their AFCON journey under Salah’s leadership. While the Pharaohs once again fell short of lifting the trophy, their run to the semi-finals highlighted renewed competitiveness and offered encouragement for the future as they continue rebuilding with a blend of experience and emerging talent.

Senegal will now turn their attention to Sunday’s final, where they will face either Nigeria or Morocco, both of whom remain strong contenders. With confidence high and momentum firmly on their side, the champions will be aiming to successfully defend their title and further cement their place at the summit of African football.

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of former midfielder Michael Carrick as caretaker head coach until the end of the season, marking a familiar and reassuring return to the Old Trafford dugout.

Carrick, 44, will be supported by an experienced backroom team that includes former England assistant Steve Holland, alongside Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion. The blend of tactical expertise and deep club knowledge is seen as a key strength as United look to stabilise and build momentum in the coming months.

This will not be Carrick’s first time leading the side on an interim basis. He previously oversaw a three-match spell as temporary manager in 2021 following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a period remembered for its calm management and positive results. He is now set for a high-profile return to the touchline when United face Manchester City in Saturday’s Premier League derby.

United dismissed Ruben Amorim on 5 January after 14 months in charge, with Darren Fletcher stepping in as caretaker for matches against Burnley and Brighton. Fletcher will now return to his role with the club’s under-18s, a move both parties believe will best support his long-term development within United’s coaching structure.

Speaking on the club’s Inside Carrington podcast, Carrick described his return as deeply meaningful.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling to come back through the doors and be part of the club again,” he said. “It’s a big responsibility, a massive pleasure and a privilege to be here, but we want to do a good job – this place deserves that.”

Carrick held face-to-face discussions with United officials last Thursday and is understood to have made a strong impression on chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, particularly with his clear vision and calm leadership style.

Tactically, Carrick is expected to implement a 4-2-3-1 formation, signalling a shift away from the three-at-the-back system used under Amorim. The change is viewed internally as a move designed to restore balance, maximise attacking options and provide clarity to the squad during the transitional period.

While former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who both played for and managed United, also held talks with the club, Carrick ultimately emerged as the preferred option. Club sources indicate he was chosen for his hands-on coaching approach and strong connection with the current playing group.