Cameroonian football icon Samuel Eto’o and several prominent regional football administrators are reportedly positioning themselves as potential successors to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) presidency, as incumbent president Patrice Motsepe faces mounting pressure following controversial shifts in the continent’s flagship tournament schedule.

Motsepe’s leadership has come under scrutiny following a sudden policy reversal regarding the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) competition cycle. After previously announcing plans to transition AFCON into a four-year cycle tied to a new African Nations League, Motsepe recently backtracked during a CAF strategy conference in Cape Verde, signaling a return to the traditional two-year tournament format. The sudden policy change, coupled with growing concerns over CAF’s long-term financial management and upcoming broadcasting rights, has triggered widespread dissatisfaction among national federation heads across the continent.

Reports indicate that potential candidates are seeking informal backing ahead of possible leadership changes, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino believed to hold considerable influence over whether Motsepe completes his tenure. Alongside Eto’o—who currently leads the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT)—other figures linked to potential presidential bids include Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya, Ivory Coast’s Yacine Idriss Diallo, and Djibouti’s Souleiman Waberi. Under CAF regulations, an extraordinary general assembly can be convened if two-thirds of the executive committee submit a written request.

Despite the growing speculation and political maneuvering behind the scenes, neither Motsepe nor the prospective candidates have issued official declarations regarding an early election. CAF’s executive committee is expected to convene in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, next month to formally deliberate on tournament calendar adjustments and address broader governance concerns.