Gabon Government Disbands National Team After AFCON Failure

The first day of 2026 brought one of the most unusual football headlines imaginable. The Gabonese government has officially disbanded its national team following a disastrous performance at the Africa Cup of Nations — and even its legend, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, wasn’t spared.

Gabon’s campaign in the tournament, currently taking place in Morocco, was a complete collapse. Under coach Thierry Mouyouma, the team lost all three matches in Group F: to Cameroon (0–1), Mozambique (2–3), and Ivory Coast (2–3) — the last one after leading 2–0. The response from authorities was swift and severe: the national team was dissolved in its entirety.

Acting Minister of Sports Simplice-Désiré Mamboula announced the decision in a televised statement:

«Given the shameful performance of the team at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to dissolve the coaching staff, suspend the activities of the national team until further notice, and remove Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the national squad.»

Thus, 36-year-old Aubameyang — Gabon’s all-time top scorer with 41 goals and the 2015 African Footballer of the Year — was forced to end his international career against his will. The forward, who missed the final match due to injury, reacted on social media:

«I think the team’s problems go far deeper than my individual case.»

However, the government’s decision blatantly violates FIFA’s statutes, which strictly prohibit state interference in the affairs of national football associations. Such actions almost always lead to harsh disciplinary measures, including suspension of both the national team and domestic clubs from all international competitions.

Recent history provides several clear examples. Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka were suspended from FIFA membership in 2022–2023 for exactly this reason. India faced a brief suspension in August 2022 after a court ruling, while Kenya, Chad, and Pakistan have all been banned at various times for similar governmental overreach.

There’s little doubt that Gabon faces the same fate — unless its government reverses course soon.

Published by Patrick Jane
02.01.2026