Gabon’s new Sports activities Minister, Paul Ulrich Kessany, has moved swiftly to overturn the sanctions imposed on the nationwide soccer group, lifting the ban on the Panthers of Gabon and reinstating star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the nation’s troubled outing on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Gabonese authorities had sanctioned the group following a disappointing AFCON marketing campaign in Morocco, the place the Panthers completed backside of Group F.
The efficiency was described as “disgraceful” by former Sports activities Minister Simplice-Want Mamboula, who on January 1 introduced a collection of punitive measures.
These choices included the suspension of the nationwide group, the dismissal of head coach Thierry Mouyouma, and the exclusion of Aubameyang and group captain Bruno Ecuele Manga from the squad.
Minister Kessany’s intervention now brings an finish to the sanctions, easing considerations over potential disciplinary motion from FIFA.
The world soccer governing physique maintains a strict stance in opposition to authorities interference in soccer administration, and the scenario had reportedly positioned Gabon’s soccer federation, Fegafoot, susceptible to suspension.
In a press release, Fegafoot welcomed the event, noting that the brand new minister referenced key upcoming engagements, together with the draw for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, in his correspondence with the federation.
“Fegafoot welcomes the optimistic consequence of the scenario,” the assertion mentioned.
The federation additionally revealed that Minister Kessany has requested detailed proposals for the appointment of a brand new technical crew to exchange Mouyouma, signalling a contemporary begin for Gabonese soccer as preparations start for future worldwide competitions.
