An alleged sexual abuse victim in Gabon questions FIFA and the Confederation of African Football’s failure to suspend the country’s football association president amid allegations of neglecting to report “paedophilia crimes.”
Pierre-Alain Mounguengui, facing trial, spent nearly six months in police custody last year. He faces up to three years in prison for not disclosing sexual assault charges against multiple coaches to Gabon’s authorities.
In April, Mounguengui was re-elected as Fegafoot’s president for a third time and joined CAF’s executive council in June. No sexual assault charges have been presented. He has not responded to the allegations.
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FIFA began formal proceedings in May 2017 against former Gabon under-17 coach Patrick Assoumou Eyi and three other coaches regarding sexual abuse allegations but has not taken action against Mounguengui, contrary to FIFA’s child protection policy, which recommends suspending staff members during external investigations.
Anonymously, a purported victim complained that authorities should handle the matter at all levels, including the highest.
Rémy Ebanega, a former Gabon international and founder of the country’s first professional football players’ union, questioned why Mounguengui was not suspended during ongoing investigations, unlike Capello.
Loc Alves from Fifpro emphasized that the alleged cover-up severity should have triggered an automatic suspension.
FIFA’s Ethics Committee is investigating the alleged abuses and aims to sanction any violations of its Code of Ethics.
Following the allegations, FIFA’s Safeguarding team collaborated with Fegafoot to enhance procedures against sexual abuse and harassment.
Patrick Assoumou Eyi remains incarcerated pending sentencing after pleading guilty to rape, grooming, and exploiting young athletes. Other coaches arrested have denied the allegations.
Mounguengui, re-elected as Fegafoot president, continued his duties from prison before provisional release, with a visit from CAF president Patrice Motsepe emphasizing zero tolerance for sexual abuse.
Fifpro raised concerns about Fegafoot leading the initial investigation due to conflicts of interest. Fegafoot and Mounguengui have denied all allegations and claimed prompt action upon the public revelation of sexual abuse allegations in Gabonese football.
