The Gabonese government has officially removed the sanctions it had enacted against the national football team and striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following their disappointing performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

The team’s performance in Morocco, where they ended up last in their group, was described as “shameful” by former Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula.

On January 1, Mamboula had announced the suspension of the national team, dismissed coach Thierry Mouyouma, and barred Aubameyang, along with captain Bruno Ecuele Manga, from participating in future competitions.

Nevertheless, the new sports minister, Paul Ulrich Kessany, reversed these decisions on Monday, which had the potential to trigger a suspension of Gabon’s football federation, Fegafoot, by FIFA.

In recent years, FIFA has enforced strict rules against governmental interference in football organizations.

Fegafoot released a statement noting Kessany referenced imminent deadlines, including the qualifying draw for the 2027 Afcon, in a correspondence with them.

The statement expressed, “Fegafoot is pleased with the favorable resolution of the situation.”

It further indicated that Kessany had invited Fegafoot to provide him with “all necessary details for the selection of a new coaching staff” to succeed Mouyouma.