Gabon’s Minister of Sports has announced sweeping sanctions against the national football setup following the country’s disastrous outing at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The decision includes the banning of veteran players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga, the suspension of the entire national team, and the dismissal of the coaching crew.
Gabon’s campaign ended in humiliation after a dramatic 3–2 defeat to defending champions Côte d’Ivoire on Wednesday, sealed by an injury-time winner from Bazoumana Toure. The loss marked the Panthers’ third defeat in three matches, leaving them at the bottom of Group F behind Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Mozambique.
Announcing the decision on Gabonese television late Wednesday, Sports Minister Simplice-Désiré Mamboula described the performance as unacceptable.
“Given the Panthers’ disgraceful performance at the AFCON, the government has decided to dissolve the technical staff, suspend the national team until further notice, and remove players Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang,” he said.
Hours after the announcement aired, the video clip was taken down from official ministry and television platforms before reappearing online on Thursday.
The drastic measures followed a review by the Council of Ministers after Sunday’s 3–2 loss to 102nd-ranked Mozambique, a result that mathematically eliminated Gabon from the tournament. Aubameyang returned to his club side, Marseille, after that match due to a reported thigh injury.
President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, reacting to the team’s exit, said the poor showing had dealt a blow to national pride.
“This has weakened part of our national identity,” the president said in an official statement released on Wednesday.
He identified “lack of method” and “dispersion of resources” as the major issues plaguing the national team, while promising “strong and structural decisions” to restore discipline, responsibility and ambition in the management of sports in the country.
However, the government’s intervention could expose Gabon to possible sanctions from FIFA, which strictly prohibits political interference in the running of national football associations.
What you should know
Gabon’s early AFCON exit has triggered one of the strongest government crackdowns on a national football team in recent years.
The suspension of players, coaches and the entire team reflects growing frustration at repeated underperformance on the continental stage.
While authorities argue the measures are needed to reset Gabonese football, FIFA rules against government interference could complicate matters and potentially attract sanctions if the decisions are upheld.
