The Gabonese football task force, led by coordinator Léon Nze Ababe, has presented 24 priority recommendations to Sports Minister Paul Ulrich Kessany to reform the country's football sector. The recommendations were compiled from a total of 108 proposals put forward by seven working panels. They focus on key areas such as governance, professionalization of actors, and infrastructure management. The task force aims to revitalize Gabon's football sector through these proposed reforms.
The recommendations include an organizational and financial audit of the Ligue nationale de football professionnel (LINAFP), with the goal of transforming it into a sports-oriented company. This move is inspired by the structure of the Ligue nationale de football féminin (LINAFFEM) and top-tier football clubs. Additionally, the task force suggests reforming the Office national du développement du sport et de la culture (ONDSC) to incorporate university and school sports into its mandate.
The proposed reforms also involve the creation of a board of directors for ONDSC and the adoption of regulations outlining its role in managing public sports infrastructure. The task force further recommends transferring the management of recognized public utility infrastructure to a different entity. Moreover, the establishment of a solidarity and reintegration fund for retired professional footballers and the professionalization of refereeing are among the suggested measures.
The recommendations also cover the development and regulation of football in Gabon. Proposed measures include setting up a digital database, introducing anti-doping controls in championships, organizing annual awareness campaigns, and rehabilitating the Angondjé stadium. The centralization of television rights commercialization by LINAFP and the restructuring of football associations are also suggested.
To ensure the successful implementation of these recommendations, the task force proposes the creation of a monitoring and evaluation committee. This committee would be responsible for overseeing the execution of the proposed reforms. The recommendations have been submitted to the Sports Minister for decision, planning, and follow-up.
According to Léon Nze Ababe, the coordinator of the task force, the recommendations are aimed at promoting a comprehensive overhaul of Gabon's football sector. The proposed reforms seek to improve governance, enhance the professionalism of football stakeholders, and upgrade infrastructure. The task force's efforts are geared towards elevating the standards of football in Gabon.
The implementation of these recommendations is expected to have a positive impact on the development of football in Gabon. The country's football sector has been facing challenges, and the proposed reforms aim to address these issues. The Sports Minister will review the recommendations and make decisions on their implementation.
Key points
- The task force's recommendations focus on governance, professionalization, and infrastructure management in Gabon's football sector.
