Aubameyang banned after Gabon’s AFCON flop

Former Arsenal FC captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has reportedly been suspended indefinitely from the Gabon national team alongside captain Bruno Ecuélé Manga. The duo’s punishment follows a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in Morocco.

Gabon’s acting Minister of Sports Dr. Simplice Désiré Mamboula announced the punishment of Aubameyang and defender Manga on Thursday. He reacted swiftly to the national team’s three consecutive Group F defeats at the hands of Cameroon (1-0), Mozambique (3-2) and Ivory Coast (3-2) on Wednesday.

Gabon government’s statement on Aubameyang’s expulsion

The minister, according to info241, announced the dissolution of the Gabon national team, Thierry Mouyouma -led coaching panel and particular ban on Aubameyang and Manga on Thursday, a day after the loss to Ivory Coast.

“Considering the multifaceted effects at the antipodes of the team values and exemplarity advocated by the 5th Republic, the government decides to dissolve the technical staff, suspend the national team until further notice, and sideline the players,” Mamboula said.

The government has since challenged the Gabonese Football Federation to take advantage of the national team’s dissolution by rebuilding a strong team capable of competing strongly at the AFCON finals. 

The federation is yet to comment on the matter, which will likely land the country in hot soup with FIFA that does not entertain political interference in football. 

The world football governing body bans, from all international football activities, countries where there is such interference.

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