Archive · 2 Jan 2026
Gabon Suspends National Team After AFCON Disaster
Gabon's national football team had a really bad time at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
They lost all their games and finished last in their group.
The government was very upset and decided to suspend the whole team and remove two important players, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga.
They also fired the coaching staff.
The president said the team's performance showed a lack of method and poor use of resources.
However, this decision might cause problems with FIFA, which doesn't allow governments to interfere in football matters.
Gabon's national football team finished last in Group F at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after losing all three matches.
The government suspended the entire national team and removed players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga.
The coaching staff was sacked following the team's poor performance.
Gabon's president criticized the team for a lack of method and poor resource management.
The government's decision could potentially violate FIFA's rules against government interference in football.
- Who
- Gabon's government and national football team
- What
- Suspension of the national team and key players, sacking of coaching staff
- When
- After poor performance at AFCON
- Where
- Gabon
- Why
- Disappointing performance in the Africa Cup of Nations
- Team
- Gabon National Football Team
- Tournament
- Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
- Group Performance
- Finished last in Group F
- Key Players Suspended
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Bruno Ecuele Manga
- Coaching Staff
- Sacked
- Government Action
- Suspension of national team, removal of players, dissolution of technical staff
- FIFA Concern
- Potential violation of government interference rules
Sources
Gabon's Government Appears To Have Suspended National Football Team And Fired Staff After Poor Show In AFCON
Gabon govt suspends national team, ex-Arsenal hero amid horror AFCON show
Gabon football plunge into chaos as government suspends national team, drops Aubameyang after AFCON exit
