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Gabon Reverses Government Sanctions as AFCON Fallout Eases

12 January 2026

Gabon Reverses Government Sanctions as AFCON Fallout Eases
Gabonese authorities lift sanctions after AFCON group stage.

Key Updates

The Gabon Football Federation announced that the Ministry of Sports has reversed its decisions following the team's exit from the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Gabon collapsed in the group, losing all three games to Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Mozambique.

Earlier, the Sports Ministry froze the team's activities and expelled the duo Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Mangala, barring them from representing the national team.

In a formal statement, the Gabonese Federation said government measures have been lifted, following the disappointing results in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Sports Minister Paul Ulrich Kisani sent an official letter to the Gabon Football Federation, stressing the importance of upcoming assignments and the urgent preparation for AFCON 2027.

He urged the federation to take the necessary steps to appoint a new technical staff.

The Gabonese Federation said it welcomed the resolution of the crisis.

The move was described as a precaution to avoid possible FIFA sanctions.

If football drama paid tickets, Gabon would have a sold-out stadium by now.

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were Aubameyang and Mangala expelled?

They were excluded earlier as part of government sanctions during the AFCON period, including a freeze on activities.

What triggered the reversal of government measures?

The Gabon Football Federation stated that measures were lifted after disappointing AFCON results and to avoid FIFA sanctions.

What are the next steps for Gabon?

Appoint a new coaching staff and ramp up preparations for AFCON 2027.