iDeemlawfulGabon’s Minister of Sports, Simplice-Desire Mamboula, has announced far-reaching sanctions in the wake of the country’s disappointing performance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The measures include the banning of senior players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga, the suspension of the national team, and the dismissal of the entire coaching staff.
The tough action followed Gabon’s 3–2 loss to defending champions Ivory Coast on Wednesday, decided by an injury-time goal from Bazoumana Touré. The defeat was the Panthers’ third in three matches, leaving them rooted to the bottom of Group F behind Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Mozambique.
Speaking on Gabonese television late Wednesday, Mamboula labelled the team’s campaign a national embarrassment.
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“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.
Although the video of the announcement was briefly taken down from official platforms, it was reposted on Thursday.
The move came after discussions by the Council of Ministers following Sunday’s 3–2 defeat to Mozambique, ranked 102nd globally, which sealed Gabon’s elimination from the competition.
Aubameyang, who features for Marseille, returned to France after that game due to a thigh injury.
Reacting to the team’s poor outing, Gabon’s President, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, said the result had dented national pride.
“This has weakened part of our national identity,” the president said in a statement released on Wednesday. “The national team highlights two major problems: the lack of method and the dispersion of resources.”
He added that the government would take “strong and structural decisions” to restore discipline, accountability and ambition in the administration of national sports.
However, the government’s action could expose Gabon to sanctions from FIFA, which bars political interference in the affairs of its member football associations.