Gabon’s government has reversed the sanctions imposed on the national football team and star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following the country’s exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Gabon endured a disappointing campaign at the tournament in Morocco, finishing bottom of Group F, a performance that was described as “disgraceful” by the then Minister of Sports, Simplice-Désiré Mamboula.
In response, Mamboula announced on January 1 the suspension of the national team, the dismissal of head coach Thierry Mouyouma, and the exclusion of Aubameyang and team captain Bruno Ecuele Manga from the Panthers’ setup.
However, the newly appointed Minister of Sports, Paul Ulrich Kessany, lifted the sanctions on Monday. The decision has eased concerns that the measures could have triggered a suspension of Gabon’s football federation, Fegafoot, by FIFA.
FIFA has consistently warned against government interference in the administration of football associations, adopting a firm stance on the issue in recent years.
