Gabon’s government has lifted the sanctions imposed on the national team and striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following the country’s disappointing exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Panthers endured a difficult campaign in Morocco, finishing bottom of Group F, a performance that was described as “disgraceful” by former sports minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula.
In response, Mamboula announced sweeping measures on 1 January, including the suspension of the national team, the dismissal of head coach Thierry Mouyouma, and the exclusion of Aubameyang and captain Bruno Ecuele Manga from the squad.
Those decisions have now been reversed by Gabon’s new sports minister, Paul Ulrich Kessany. The move brings an end to a standoff that had raised concerns about possible sanctions from FIFA, which has consistently opposed government interference in football administration.
In a statement, the Gabonese Football Federation (Fegafoot) confirmed that Kessany had cited upcoming commitments, including the draw for qualification to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, as part of his reasoning.
Fegafoot welcomed the development and revealed that the minister has asked the federation to submit proposals for appointing a new technical staff to replace Mouyouma, signalling a fresh start for Gabonese football.
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