Gabon’s government has imposed an indefinite ban on its national football team following a disappointing performance in the Africa Cup of Nations. The team lost all its group-stage matches in Group F, which included Mozambique, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon. In response, Sports Minister Simplice-Désiré Mamboula announced the dismissal of all coaching staff and the suspension of players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele from the national squad.

The minister described the team’s showing as shameful and said the technical staff had been dissolved. The decision reflects the government’s frustration with the team’s failure to advance beyond the group stage. However, the move has raised concerns about political interference in sports, which is generally frowned upon by international governing bodies.

The report notes that Gabon could face further complications if FIFA views the government’s actions as undue interference in football affairs. Observers are now waiting to see what steps FIFA might take in response to the situation.