Libreville, Gabon, April 20, 2026 – In a move to address the ongoing suspension of the Gabonese Football Federation (Fégafoot) elections, a delegation from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) engaged in discussions with Gabon’s Minister of Sports, Paul Ulrich Kessany, on Monday, April 20.
The Minister’s Stance – Minister Kessany emphasized the government’s commitment to the integrity of the electoral process, stating, “We are not at war with our federation, and it is crucial that you understand this.”He clarified that, under Gabonese law, the Minister of Sports holds both organizational and administrative police responsibilities over sports. FIFA’s Role – Célestin Yanindji, a member of the FIFA Commission on Associations, revealed that the FIFA delegation was dispatched to investigate the matter.
The delegation’s findings will be communicated to the Minister of Sports via correspondence, ensuring transparency in the process.
The Current Situation — The FIFA-CAF delegation’s visit follows meetings with the outgoing Fégafoot Executive Committee and the Electoral Commission, which resulted in the indefinite postponement of the elections originally set for April 18.
The delegation is considering solutions such as a six — month “single window “for sports structures to regularize their legal status and an eight-month transition period under the current leadership.
The Debate Continues — The Gabonese government views the suspension as a necessary measure to protect the elections’integrity, while FIFA and CAF seek to preserve Fégafoot’s autonomy and ensure the fairness of the electoral process.
The situation has sparked concerns among the Gabonese football community, with some supporting the suspension for its potential to lead to a more transparent federation, while others fear political interference and its impact on the sport’s development.
The discussions between the FIFA — CAF delegation and the Gabonese authorities underscore the complexities of football governance in Africa.
As the continent’s football talent and infrastructure expand, the need for robust and transparent governance structures is more pressing than ever.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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By This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Agpgabon
Source: Redaction
