In a meeting held at the Ligue nationale de football professionnel (Linafp) headquarters, Gabonese football clubs have set an ultimatum for the authorities to announce the start date of the national championships. The clubs have given the authorities until November 15 to communicate the date of resumption, failing which they threaten to demobilize their teams. This decision comes as the clubs, now compliant with administrative requirements, express frustration over the lack of communication from the Ministry of Sports regarding the championship restart.
The Linafp and the clubs had obtained their technical approvals and receipts on October 22, paving the way for the championship resumption. However, the conclusions of the Task force on the revival of Gabonese football, initially expected to be made public on October 26, have not been communicated yet. The clubs are growing impatient and have asked the Linafp and the Fédération gabonaise de football (Fegafoot) to take responsibility and meet with the Minister of Sports to get clarity on the championship start date.
According to Brice Mbika, President of the Linafp, the clubs have warned that if a precise calendar is not provided by November 15, they will proceed with the "demobilization of their teams". The clubs also intend to set preconditions for the championship resumption, including the reimbursement of expenses incurred since the start of the preseason. This move is seen as a last resort to pressure the authorities into making a decision on the championship restart.
The Task force on the revival of Gabonese football has introduced new requirements, including an audit of the Linafp's accounts for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 seasons, as well as the transformation of clubs and the Linafp into sports companies. These new demands have raised concerns among the clubs and the Linafp, who are already frustrated with the delay in announcing the championship start date.
The clubs' ultimatum has put pressure on the Ministry of Sports to make a decision on the championship restart. The Linafp and the Fegafoot are expected to meet with the Minister of Sports in the coming days to discuss the issue. The clubs are eager to get a clear indication of the championship start date to avoid further disruptions to the football season.
The delay in announcing the championship start date has had a ripple effect on the football season, with clubs and players growing increasingly frustrated. The Gabonese football season typically runs from September to May, but the current uncertainty has made it difficult for clubs to plan and prepare for the upcoming matches.
The outcome of the meeting between the Linafp, Fegafoot, and the Ministry of Sports will be crucial in determining the fate of the Gabonese football championships. The clubs are hopeful that a decision will be made soon to allow them to focus on their preparations for the upcoming matches.
Key points
- Gabonese football clubs have given the authorities until November 15 to announce the start date of the national championships.
- The clubs threaten to demobilize their teams if a precise calendar is not provided by the set deadline.
- The Task force on the revival of Gabonese football has introduced new requirements, including an audit of the Linafp's accounts and the transformation of clubs into sports companies.
