The Gabonese government has taken a radical decision following the national team's performance, deemed "dishonorable," during the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

In an official statement dated January 1, 2026 , the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Cultural Outreach announced a major triple sanction targeting the national team, citing behaviors and results contrary to the values of ethics and exemplary conduct advocated by the Fifth Republic .

Strong and immediate measures

According to the official document, the government has decided:

-the outright dissolution of the technical staff ;

-the suspension of the Gabonese national team until further notice ;

-the exclusion of two key players , namely Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang .

A decision full of meaning, which marks a clear break in the management of Gabonese football and sends a strong message to all actors in national sport.

FEGAFoot called upon to assume

The statement also specifies that the government invites the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) to take full responsibility , thus opening the way to a comprehensive review of the governance of Gabonese football.

This announcement, unprecedented in its scope, has already sparked strong reactions among fans, observers, and those involved in African football. Above all, it plunges the Panthers into a period of uncertainty , as the future of the national team now hinges on the upcoming decisions of the sporting and federal authorities.