Aubameyang banned by the Gabonese government in unprecedented intervention

The government of Gabon has permanently banned arguably its greatest-ever footballer, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, from the national team.

The drastic measure was part of a sweeping government intervention following Gabon's winless exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The acting Minister of Sports, Dr Simplice-Désire Mamboula, announced the decision on national television, stating that the government had dissolved the national team's entire technical staff, suspended all team activities indefinitely, and excluded both Aubameyang and veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga from future selection.

The government cited the "disgraceful performance" of the Panthers, who finished last in their group after losing all three matches. The announcement came just hours after the team's final, crushing defeat—a 3-2 loss to defending champions Ivory Coast despite holding a 2-0 lead.

For Aubameyang, Gabon's all-time leading scorer and captain, the ban brings a bitter and involuntary end to his international career. The 36-year-old striker had already departed the tournament camp early due to a thigh injury and was not on the pitch for the final collapse. He had been widely expected to retire from international duty after the tournament, but the government's decree has preempted any personal farewell.

The move constitutes a clear case of political interference in sport, a violation of FIFA and CAF statutes that strictly prohibit government involvement in national football federations.

Such actions have historically led to immediate suspensions for other member nations. As of now, global and continental football authorities have not issued an official response, but the threat of sanctions now hangs over Gabonese football.

The future of the national team is now in limbo. With the squad suspended, its staff dismissed, and its iconic leader banned by political decree, Gabonese football faces an uncertain and turbulent path ahead, marking one of the most dramatic government interventions in the sport in recent decades.

Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.

Read Full Story