Did Gabon's Government Just Lift Sanctions on Aubameyang and the Team?

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored once at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), but Gabon's disappointing performance resulted in three losses against Cameroon, Mozambique, and Ivory Coast, leading to significant consequences for the national team. The Gabonese government has since lifted sanctions against the team and Aubameyang after a public outcry regarding the team's poor showing.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Following Gabon's exit from the 2025 Afcon, the government has reversed its earlier sanctions against the national football team and star player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. This decision comes in light of a new sports minister, Paul Ulrich Kessany, who has recognised the potential ramifications of government interference with Fegafoot, Gabon's football federation. Under the previous administration, the team faced severe penalties, but the current minister's actions may help restore stability in Gabonese football.

Key takeaways

The Gabonese national football team lost all three group matches at Afcon 2025.
Sanctions against the team and key players, including Aubameyang, were lifted by the new sports minister.
The previous sports minister condemned the team's performance as "disgraceful" and took immediate action against the federation.
Fifa has strict rules against government interference in football associations, which could have jeopardised Gabon's football status.
Fegafoot is now tasked with appointing new technical staff following the dismissal of coach Thierry Mouyouma.

Timeline: how we got here

The situation surrounding Gabon's national football team has evolved significantly over recent months:

1 January 2025: Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula announced the sanctions against the national team after their poor performance at Afcon.
1 January 2025: Coach Thierry Mouyouma was sacked, and Aubameyang, along with captain Bruno Ecuele Manga, was excluded from the team.
26 October 2025: Paul Ulrich Kessany was appointed as the new sports minister.
27 October 2025: Kessany lifted the sanctions, recognising the importance of complying with Fifa regulations.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent lifting of sanctions by the new sports minister Paul Ulrich Kessany marks a significant shift in direction for Gabonese football. This decision indicates a willingness to avoid potential conflicts with Fifa and restore normalcy within the national team's operations.

What was already established

Prior to this development, the Gabonese government had imposed sanctions on the national team following their disappointing performance in the 2025 Afcon, which included losses to Cameroon, Mozambique, and Ivory Coast. The team's performance was publicly criticised by former Sports Minister Mamboula, leading to immediate repercussions.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the impact on UK consumers is indirect, the lifting of sanctions could influence how Gabon's football federation operates in international competitions, potentially affecting players with ties to British clubs or those interested in transfer opportunities.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses involved in sports marketing and management, the resolution of this situation may create new opportunities for partnerships with Gabonese football as stability returns. The restoration of a national team could also improve job prospects within the sporting industry.

Policy and regulation

From a policy perspective, Kessany's actions demonstrate a more hands-off approach to sports governance, aligning with international standards set by Fifa. This could lead to improved relations between Gabon’s football federation and global governing bodies, which is crucial for the country's future participation in international tournaments.

Numbers that matter

3: The number of matches Gabon lost at Afcon 2025, finishing bottom of Group F.
1: The total goals scored by Aubameyang during the tournament.
2: The number of key players suspended from the national team (Aubameyang and Ecuele Manga).
1: The number of coaches sacked in the aftermath of the tournament.
1: The new sports minister who lifted sanctions and aims to restore stability.

Definitions and jargon buster

Afcon: Africa Cup of Nations, the main international football competition in Africa.
Fegafoot: Fédération Gabonaise de Football, the governing body for football in Gabon.
Sanctions: Measures taken against individuals or groups, often in the form of bans or suspensions, to enforce compliance or punishment.
Technical staff: The coaching and support team responsible for training and managing a sports team.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, Fegafoot is expected to reorganise its technical staff and begin preparations for upcoming qualifiers, including the draw for the 2027 Afcon.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the coming months, the focus will be on rebuilding the national team’s morale and performance, with new coaching staff likely to influence player selection and tactics.

Signals to watch

The announcement of a new coach and technical team.
Performance in upcoming qualification matches for the 2027 Afcon.
Fifa’s response to the situation and any further measures to ensure compliance.

Practical guidance

Do

Monitor Fegafoot's announcements for updates on team management and player selection.
Engage with communities and forums discussing African football to stay informed.
Consider the implications of Gabon’s football developments on player transfers and contracts.

Don’t

Dismiss the potential impact of Gabon’s football stability on regional tournaments.
Ignore the importance of Fifa's regulations regarding government interference.
Overlook the role of public sentiment in influencing government policy on sports.

Checklist

Check for updates on the new coaching staff.
Follow Gabon’s fixtures for the 2027 Afcon qualifiers.
Stay informed about Fifa’s stance on Gabon’s football governance.
Engage with discussions around player development and national representation.
Assess the implications for UK-based players involved in Gabonese football.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the lifting of sanctions appears positive, it is essential to remain cautious about the stability of Gabon's football governance. The potential for future government interference still exists, especially if the national team fails to perform. Fifa's strict regulations mean that any recurrence could lead to severe consequences for Gabonese football, including potential suspension from international competitions.

Bottom line

The recent lifting of sanctions marks a pivotal moment for Gabonese football, offering a chance for recovery and growth. With the national team set to rebuild under new management, there is hope for improved performances in future competitions. Stakeholders should remain engaged and informed as the situation evolves, ensuring that Gabon's football can flourish without political interference.

FAQs

What were the main reasons for Gabon's poor performance at Afcon 2025?

Gabon lost all three group games against Cameroon, Mozambique, and Ivory Coast. The team's overall performance was widely criticised, leading to sanctions from the government.

What sanctions were imposed on Gabon's national team?

Sanctions included the suspension of the team, the sacking of coach Thierry Mouyouma, and the exclusion of star players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga from the national setup.

How might Fifa respond to government interference in Gabon's football?

Fifa has a strict policy against government interference, which could result in sanctions against Gabon, including suspension from international competitions if such actions are repeated.