Gabon Football Coach Receives Life Ban from FIFA Amid Sexual Abuse Scandal

FIFA has imposed a life ban on Patrick Assoumou Eyi, Gabon's former youth coach, after he was found guilty of sexually abusing young players, raising serious concerns regarding player safety and institutional accountability in the nation’s football framework.

Gabonese football has been rocked by a significant scandal as FIFA recently announced a life ban for Patrick Assoumou Eyi, a former head coach of Gabon's youth national teams, following revelations of systemic sexual abuse within the sport. A BBC Africa Eye investigation unveiled the depth of the crisis, revealing that Eyi abused multiple young boys over his extensive career in Gabonese football.

The players' union Fifpro reacted strongly to the FIFA ruling, underscoring the urgent need for reforms to safeguard players in Gabonese football. They emphasized that Eyi, popularly known as 'Capello,' was merely "one of several individuals" exploiting their authority in a seemingly pervasive culture of abuse. This sentiment was echoed by former Gabonese international players who spoke out about the imbalance of power within football, likening Eyi's influence to that of a "god" in determining team selections.

Eyi's case gained considerable attention after he admitted to charges of grooming and sexually abusing young athletes, with complaints surfacing as early as 2021. FIFA responded to the allegations after an independent ethics committee began an investigation into his conduct. Beyond the life ban, he has also been fined one million Swiss francs and remains incarcerated.

The investigation's findings were heart-wrenching, detailing testimonies from at least four male players who accused Eyi of abuse from 2006 to 2021, predominantly while they were minors. One victim, wishing to remain anonymous, expressed a mix of relief regarding Eyi's ban but also frustration that the issue extends beyond a single perpetrator, calling for thorough actions against the "network" of abusers.

With over 30 witnesses recounting experiences of sexual abuse within Gabonese football, there are mounting pressures on FIFA and Gabon's national football federation, Fegafoot, to confront their alleged failures in protecting young players. Both organizations have denied the claims directed at them but face increasing scrutiny as the demand for justice and reform in Gabonese football intensifies.

As this story develops, many are calling for comprehensive changes to ensure the safety and protection of young athletes in the sport.