AFCON: Gabon lifts Afcon sanctions on Panthers and Aubameyang after government u-turn

Gabon’s government has reversed the sanctions imposed on the national team and striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following the Panthers’ early exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Sport360NG reports.

The measures were announced on 1 January after Gabon finished bottom of Group F at the finals in Morocco, a campaign labelled “disgraceful” by the then sports minister Simplice-Désiré Mamboula. His decision included suspending the squad, dismissing head coach Thierry Mouyouma and excluding Aubameyang and captain Bruno Ecuele Manga from the national set-up.

Those actions have now been lifted by Gabon’s new sports minister, Paul Ulrich Kessany. The reversal averts the risk of potential sanctions from FIFA, which has consistently opposed government interference in the administration of national football associations.

In a statement, the Gabonese Football Federation (Fegafoot) said Kessany referenced key upcoming obligations, including the qualifying draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, in formal correspondence with the body.

“Fegafoot welcomes the positive outcome of the situation,” the federation said, adding that the minister had invited officials to submit “all the practical details for the selection of a new technical staff” to succeed Mouyouma.

The decision clears the way for Gabon to refocus on rebuilding its national programme ahead of future continental qualifiers, while restoring Aubameyang and other senior players to international contention.