Story By: Juan Mayes, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golder’s News And Sport
Samuel Eto’o could face time in prison for failure to pay child support after a paternity case ruled he was the father of a teenage daughter.
Former Chelsea and Barcelona striker Etoo, 38, is being sued by Italian woman Anna Maria Barranca after he reportedly failed to pay his 10,000 EUR (8,417 GBP) per-month-alimony for their biological child reported as Annie Eto’o Barranca, 17.
The mother is reportedly requesting jail time for the former striker.
Local media report a court in the city of Palma on the Spanish of Majorca – where the two met and conceived the baby – recognised Eto’o as Annie’s father in 2004.
An Italian court – where Barranca is originally from – later ruled the former footballer had to pay 10,000 EUR (8,417 GBP) per month in alimony in 2015.
Barranca claims the two met at a petrol station and later started their romance at a nightclub where she worked in Palma.
She claims the relationship only lasted three months after she called it off when she saw him with another woman.
Barranca spoke with Spanish newspaper ‘La Vanguardia’ and revealed after she told Eto’o she was pregnant he said: “If you want, I can help you with the abortion” and did not offer anything else.
Despite the court’s ruling in 2015, Eto’o has reportedly failed to make a single payment which has prompted Barranca to file another lawsuit requesting jail time which could land the former Real Madrid striker behind bars.
Annie reportedly studies Fashion Design and wants to enter Milan University.
The case comes as student Erika do Rosario, 19, also claims she is the footballer’s biological daughter after her mother Adileusa do Rosario, 39, met Eto’o in the Spanish capital in 1997.
According to reports, the former Everton marksman has been summoned by a Spanish court several times before but has yet to show up.
The Cameroonian icon was ordered to pay 1,400 EUR (1,266 GBP) to the teen every month until his trial date today (Monday) however it is unclear if he has made the payments.
Eto’o was set to have his paternity trial earlier today (Monday) however it is unclear if he showed up or when the verdict will be given.
After more than 20 years as a player, Eto’o announced his retirement last year.
He played for 11 teams and won 18 club and national team trophies as well as numerous individual awards.
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