In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves across African football, the government of Gabon has permanently banned Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, dissolved the national team’s technical staff, and suspended all team activities following the Panthers’ winless exit from AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

The Decision


  • Acting Sports Minister Dr. Simplice-Désire Mamboula announced the sweeping measures live on national television.

  • Aubameyang, Gabon’s all-time leading scorer and captain, along with veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga, has been excluded from future selection.

  • The government cited the team’s “disgraceful performance” after finishing bottom of their group, capped by a 3–2 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire despite leading 2–0.

Aubameyang’s Forced Exit


The 36-year-old striker had already left the camp early due to a thigh injury. Widely expected to retire after AFCON, his international career has now ended by decree rather than personal choice. Aubameyang departs as Gabon’s most iconic player, having carried the nation’s footballing identity for over a decade.

Political Interference


FIFA and CAF statutes strictly prohibit government involvement in football federations. Similar interventions in other nations have led to suspensions from international football. As of now, neither FIFA nor CAF has issued an official response, but sanctions loom large.

Implications for Gabonese Football


The national team is effectively in limbo:


    • Squad suspended

    • Technical staff dismissed

    • Leadership void created

The decree marks one of the most dramatic cases of political interference in African football in recent decades. Gabon then risks isolation from international competitions if sanctions are enforced.
This intervention not only ends Aubameyang’s storied international career but also plunges Gabonese football into crisis, with its future now dependent on how FIFA and CAF respond to this unprecedented government action.