FIFPRO Africa welcomes lifting of Aubameyang, Manga ban

The African wing of the Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnel (FIFPRO) has condemned the Gabon Government’s recent ban of national team stars Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuélé Manga.

In a statement, FIFPRO Africa, while welcoming the lifting of the suspensions on the former Arsenal FC striker and the Paris 13 Atletico defender, expressed reservations with the manner the issue was handled.

“While acknowledging this positive development, FIFPRO Africa nevertheless wishes to emphasize that the Gabonese government’s initial decision to sanction these players was excessive,” part of the statement reads.

What Gabon Football Association said on the ban

On Monday, the Gabon Football Association (FEGAFOOT) announced the lifting of the suspensions of Aubameyang and captain Manga over the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) disappointment.

Earlier, Gabon’s acting Minister of Sports Dr. Simplice Désiré Mamboula had issued a statement announcing the ban of the former Arsenal FC skipper and defender Manga from any involvement in the national team’s activities.

The punishment was an instant reaction to Gabon’s disastrous performance at the ongoing AFCON finals where they lost all Group F games—Cameroon (1-0), Mozambique (3-2) and Ivory Coast (3-2).

Now, with the 2027 AFCON qualifiers set to start in March, FEGAFOOT has announced via a statement that the Ministry has made a U-turn to reinstall the Olympique Marseille forward Aubameyang and his Paris 13 Atletico team-mate Manga into the national team.

“The government measures suspending the national team have been lifted, as well as the exclusion of players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga following the unsatisfactory results of the national team at the Africa Cup of Nations,” reads the statement dated January 12, 2026.

“The Minister of Sports Paul Ulrich Kessany highlighted the urgency of upcoming deadlines, notably the draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.”

What next now for Gabon national team?

Meanwhile, the Gabon government has advised The Ministry of FEGAFOOT appoint a new coaching panel.

Apart from banning the two stars, the government had also dissolved the national team with coach Thierry Mouyouma fired.

The government’s decision nearly put the national team at risk of suspension from international football, as FIFA is very strict on issues of interference in such matters.

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