Fifa’s decision to ban former Gabonese youth coach Patrick Assoumou Eyi for life after he was found guilty of sexually abusing players has been praised as a “positive first step” by the global players’ union Fifpro. However, Fifpro also warned that many more perpetrators remain within Gabonese football.
On Tuesday, Fifa ruled that Eyi, who led Gabon’s national youth teams for many years, sexually abused multiple young boys throughout his career. This decision came after a BBC Africa Eye investigation into widespread allegations of abuse in Gabonese football.
Eyi, known as “Capello” in the football community, was accused of using his power as the head of the youth teams to manipulate players. According to one former Gabonese international, Eyi had the “position of a god” and controlled who would play for Gabon’s youth teams.
Fifa Investigation and Lifelong Ban
Fifa’s ruling follows an investigation triggered by an initial report in 2021 by the UK’s Guardian newspaper. Fifa’s ethics committee then launched an inquiry into the coach’s actions, with charges of rape, grooming, and exploitation of young players.
Eyi admitted to the charges of sexual abuse against several male players between 2006 and 2021. Most of the victims were minors at the time. In addition to the life ban, Eyi was fined one million Swiss francs (about £880,000 or $1.1 million). He is currently imprisoned.
Widespread Abuse in Gabonese Football
While Fifpro welcomed Fifa’s decision, the union’s legal counsel, Loic Alves, emphasized that Eyi is just one individual and that “many more perpetrators” are still active within Gabonese football. Alves described the ban as a “positive first step,” but stressed the need for further action to address the broader issue.
One of Eyi’s victims, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed mixed feelings. While he was pleased with the ban, he called for more action, stating, “It’s a whole network, a system that needs to be dismantled, with many predators running free.”
A BBC Africa investigation in 2023 spoke to over 30 witnesses who described a network of sexual abuse that spanned all levels of Gabonese football for three decades. One victim recalled being abused at an under-17 football camp, while another player, who represented Gabon’s national team for several years, said the abuse began when he was just 14.
Failure to Protect Victims
Both Fifa and Gabon’s national football federation, Fegafoot, have faced criticism for not protecting young players. While Fegafoot’s president was detained in connection to the scandal, both Fifa and Fegafoot have denied allegations of failing to act on the abuse.
The ongoing investigation highlights the need for more comprehensive measures to protect young players in the future.
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