Opening the proceedings of the Taskforce for the Renewal of Gabonese Football in Libreville on October 22, Minister Paul Ulrich Kessany Zategwa sought to clarify the principles underpinning the initiative launched by his government in April 2026.
For Gabon, bringing order to national sport and respecting international governing bodies are not conflicting objectives.
“Our approach has never been about setting the State against international sports governing bodies, nor about challenging the autonomy of federations. Respect for international rules and the need to bring order to our sporting environment are not incompatible. On the contrary, they must reinforce one another,” the Minister stated.
He also expressed Gabon’s gratitude to FIFA, CAF and the International Olympic Committee for their understanding and recognition of the merits of this initiative.
While many countries prefer to delay action for fear of being accused of interference, Gabon has chosen to act. On April 13, 2026, the government suspended the electoral processes of the National Olympic Committee and FEGAFOOT, as several organizations were found to be in an irregular administrative situation.
A One-Stop Administrative Service, jointly established by the Ministries of Sports and Interior, subsequently enabled thirteen Olympic federations, including FEGAFOOT, to regularize their status, paving the way for elections within the National Olympic Committee.
The process reached a new milestone on Thursday with the handover of official documents to the twenty-seven associations forming FEGAFOOT’s Electoral College.
Nearly three hundred additional applications from sports associations are being reviewed through October 30, alongside integrity and background checks designed to ensure the probity of future leaders.
Gabon is thus demonstrating that an ambitious sports reform can be carried out in close dialogue with international governing bodies, while laying the foundations for football governance based on legality, transparency and accountability.
