The Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) has announced the lifting of government-imposed sanctions on the national football team, the Panthers. The decision, effective Monday, January 12, 2026, ends a period of suspension that followed the team’s unsatisfactory performance at the recent Africa Cup of Nations
The measures, which had also sidelined star players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga, have been formally revoked. In an official letter to FEGAFOOT, the Minister of Sports, Paul Ulrich Kessany, highlighted the pressing nature of upcoming football events. He specifically pointed to the draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as a key reason for the move.
Minister Kessany further instructed FEGAFOOT to “take the necessary steps to present all practical arrangements for the selection of a new technical staff.” This indicates a period of rebuilding for the national team following the recent challenges.
FEGAFOOT expressed its satisfaction with this positive resolution to the situation in a press release issued from Owendo.
The federation now faces the immediate tasks of appointing a new coaching team and preparing the Panthers for future competitions, starting with the upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
