Fifa has banned Patrick Assoumou Eyi, a former head coach of Gabon's youth teams, for life after multiple allegations of sexual abuse against young players came to light. The ban follows a BBC Africa Eye investigation that uncovered a troubling pattern of abuse in Gabonese football, with Eyi being labeled as a central figure in this scandal. Player’s union Fifpro emphasized the necessity of a broader inquiry into systemic issues within the sport to ensure the safety of young athletes.
**Gabon Football Scandal: Fifa Bans Coach for Life Amid Abuse Claims**
**Gabon Football Scandal: Fifa Bans Coach for Life Amid Abuse Claims**
A former youth coach in Gabon’s football system has been handed a life ban by Fifa following a sexual abuse investigation.
The controversial coach, known as Capello, was found to have abused several young boys during his long career, with documented cases spanning from 2006 to 2021. Fifa's independent ethics committee acted after reports emerged from the Guardian in 2021, revealing the extent of the abuse. Alongside his life ban, Eyi faces a hefty fine of one million Swiss francs, reflecting the gravity of his offenses.
An anonymous victim expressed dissatisfaction with merely banning Eyi, highlighting a need for a comprehensive dismantling of the "network" of abuse and those who facilitated such conduct. Over 30 witnesses spoke to the BBC in 2023 about a pervasive culture of fear and exploitation in Gabonese football, with multiple players recounting similar experiences of sexual abuse. Both Fifa and Gabon’s national football federation, Fegafoot, were criticized for failing to protect young athletes, although they have denied these allegations.
The sobering revelations in Gabonese football have sparked calls for systemic reform to ensure safer environments for young players and accountability for those in positions of power.
An anonymous victim expressed dissatisfaction with merely banning Eyi, highlighting a need for a comprehensive dismantling of the "network" of abuse and those who facilitated such conduct. Over 30 witnesses spoke to the BBC in 2023 about a pervasive culture of fear and exploitation in Gabonese football, with multiple players recounting similar experiences of sexual abuse. Both Fifa and Gabon’s national football federation, Fegafoot, were criticized for failing to protect young athletes, although they have denied these allegations.
The sobering revelations in Gabonese football have sparked calls for systemic reform to ensure safer environments for young players and accountability for those in positions of power.
