At the time of the original verdict, Eto’o was also under investigation for alleged match-fixing, but Caf’s disciplinary panel ruled that “as it stands, there is insufficient proof”.

Eto’o has always denied the claim.

Now, in a letter, external posted on social media, his lawyers claim that, in reaching its decision, Caf’s appeal committee took into account the fact that Fecafoot is carrying out its own ethics investigation.

The letter also references pending proceedings at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), with reports suggesting that Eto’o is appealing to Cas to ensure he is free to run for a place on Caf’s executive committee in elections next month.

Current Caf president Patrice Motsepe is standing unopposed for a second four-year term, but the possible election of four-time African Footballer of the Year Eto’o to a position of power within the organisation has the potential to steal the headlines.

The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker has been in charge of Fecafoot since December 2021 but has seen his tenure mired in controversy.

Last September he received a six-match ban from attending Cameroon games while one former international team-mate described him as a “dictator” for his handling of the appointment of Indomitable Lions head coach Marc Brys.