Libreville, Gabon – April 15, 2025
Gabon’s dream of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is under threat after the country’s football federation, FEGAFOOT, failed to honor a FIFA-mandated payment to former national team coach Patrice Neveu.
The first installment of €131,106.15 (approximately KES 18 million), due on April 11, 2025, was not transferred to Neveu, leaving Gabon exposed to possible sanctions and point deductions that could jeopardize their position in the World Cup qualifiers.
FIFA had ordered Gabon to pay Neveu a total of €522,000 in compensation following his dismissal in 2023. The Frenchman, who managed the Gabon Panthers from 2019 until his sacking after the team’s failure to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, had his contract terminated prematurely despite having an active deal through 2025.
Neveu took his case to FIFA after months of salary disputes, and the global governing body sided with the coach, demanding full compensation. A payment plan was later agreed upon following negotiations between FIFA and Gabon’s Sports Minister Patrick Barbera, allowing the federation to clear the amount in four installments. The first of these, however, has already lapsed without payment.
“Gabon was obliged to pay our client the sum of €522,000 by April 2025 at the latest. Unfortunately, as of April 11, the said amount had not been transferred to our client’s bank account,” a source close to Neveu’s legal team told reporters. “On Friday, April 11, we contacted FIFA to inform them of the situation. It is now up to the governing body of world football to decide.”
The Ministry of Sports confirmed the payment delay, citing challenges linked to the recent election campaign. “Indeed, as of April 11, Patrice Neveu had not received his payment,” said a source close to Minister Barbera. “For a month, the minister made every effort to ensure the funds were transferred to Neveu, but without success. He reached out to his counterpart in the Ministry of Public Accounts and Debt, as well as close advisors to the Head of State. Unfortunately, everyone was occupied with the election campaign. However, now that the campaign is over, steps are being taken to ensure the funds are transferred ahead of FIFA’s decision.”
With Gabon currently sitting second in Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers—just a point behind group leaders Côte d’Ivoire—the timing could not be worse. A point deduction would deal a serious blow to the Panthers’ ambitions of making it to the global tournament.
This development could significantly shake up Group F, where the Harambee Stars currently sit fourth with 6 points. The latest group standings are:
While it’s still uncertain how FIFA will act, the situation is being closely monitored by teams across the group.
All eyes are now on FIFA as the football world waits to see whether the failure to meet the deadline will lead to immediate disciplinary measures against FEGAFOOT and the national team.
