Former Gabon Under-17 coach Patrick Assoumou Eyi has been banned from football for life after being found guilty of sexually abusing multiple players, FIFA has announced.
Eyi, who previously worked with the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT), was also fined CHF 1,000,000 (£880,000) for violating FIFA’s Code of Ethics.
“The adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has found Mr Patrick Assoumou Eyi… guilty of abusing his position and committing repeated acts of sexual abuse against multiple players, in violation of the FIFA Code of Ethics,” FIFA said in a statement.
The investigation into Eyi’s conduct was triggered by complaints from at least four footballers, who accused him of sexual abuse between 2006 and 2021. Most of the victims were minors at the time.
Lifetime Ban and Heavy Fine
FIFA’s ruling bars Eyi from all football-related activities at both national and international levels.
“The adjudicatory chamber found that Mr Eyi had breached article 24 (Protection of physical and mental integrity) and article 26 (Abuse of position) of the FIFA Code of Ethics and sanctioned him with a lifetime ban from all football-related activities (administrative, sports or any other) at both national and international level,” the statement added.
The ruling comes amid wider concerns about abuse in football, with FIFA and other governing bodies tightening regulations to protect young players.
Abuse Allegations in Gabonese Football
Eyi’s case is part of a broader abuse scandal in Gabonese football. In 2021, reports emerged accusing him of leading a long-running system of exploitation of young players in the country.
Human rights groups and football bodies have called for stronger measures to safeguard athletes, particularly minors, from such abuses.
While FIFA’s ruling provides some form of justice, the long-term impact on the victims remains a concern.
FIFA confirmed that the terms of the decision have been communicated to Eyi via FEGAFOOT.
The former coach has not yet publicly responded to the ruling.
