The Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) has been ordered by FIFA to pay owed salary dues to former men's national team coach Patrice Neveu.
The 70-year-old tactician led the Panthers from 2019 until his sacking in 2023. The French coach was relieved of his duties after Gabon failed to qualify for the 2023 African Cup of Nations played in early 2024.
FEGAFOOT owes Neveu 341,000,000 CFA ($566,863 USD) as his contract was previously extended until 2025. His premature exit from the Panthers forced Neveu to sue FEGAFOOT and appeal to FIFA. The world football governing body ordered the federation to pay, setting a deadline of April 11 for FEGAFOOT to settle the payment or face suspension.
Neveu's lawyer told Gabonese outlet L’Union that failing to honor the decision by 11th of April will have consequences. “The Gabonese authority must pay my client by April 11, 2025. Failing to do that will force the FIFA Disciplinary Committee to impose sporting sanctions. This could lead to a deduction of points during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.”
Gabon are currently second in their World Cup qualifying group with nine points. Gabon's Ministry of Sports handles payment for national team coaches. The ministry told L’Union that they are in the process of settling any outstanding amount but failed to give a definite time for the full payment to be made.
FEGAFOOT previously made headlines for failing to pay months of salary to former national team assistant coaches.
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