In a significant move to revitalize Gabon's football sector, Sports Minister Paul Ulrich Kessany has issued technical approvals and final receipts to 28 associations. This development occurred before the launch of the Task Force aimed at renewing Gabon's football. The approvals, issued by the Sports department, cover various entities including the Ligue nationale de football professionnel (Linafp), nine provincial leagues, two national associations, and 16 professional clubs.
The issued documents enable these associations to meet national and international standards. Additionally, they have received their final receipts from the Ministry of Interior, aligning with the new directives imposed by the Sports department. This step is part of the second phase of administrative regularization that opened on May 4, 2026. Consequently, these entities can now operate legally and are eligible to participate in the next electoral process of the Fédération gabonaise de football.
Minister Kessany emphasized that this initiative aims to address the challenges faced by clubs, particularly in financing and finding partners. He noted that the development of Gabon's football cannot solely rely on public resources. The minister's efforts reflect a broader strategy to enhance the country's football sector. With these approvals, the associations can now seek funding and partnerships more effectively.
A total of 300 dossiers from the last phase, programmed from May 30 to October 30, 2026, are still under review. The Direction générale de la documentation et de l'immigration (DGDI) is responsible for the instruction of these dossiers. Once completed, these are expected to yield positive outcomes for the country's football sector. The ongoing process demonstrates the government's commitment to reforming and strengthening Gabon's football.
The recent developments in Gabon's football sector are part of a larger reform agenda. The launch of the Task Force for the renewal of Gabon's football signifies a critical step towards restructuring the sport in the country. This initiative is expected to yield a new roadmap for the development of football in Gabon. Stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the outcomes of these efforts.
The technical approvals and final receipts issued to the 28 associations mark a crucial milestone in Gabon's football reform. By ensuring that associations operate within the legal framework, the government aims to promote transparency and accountability in the sector. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the overall development of football in Gabon.
As Gabon continues to implement reforms in its football sector, the focus shifts to the upcoming Task Force and its expected outcomes. With the current momentum, stakeholders are hopeful that these efforts will yield significant improvements in the country's football landscape. The involvement of various stakeholders, including associations and government departments, will be crucial in driving these changes forward.
Key points
- - 28 associations receive technical approvals and final receipts from Gabon's Sports Minister. - The approvals enable associations to operate legally and participate in the next electoral process. - 300 dossiers still under review, expected to yield positive outcomes for Gabon's football sector.