Caf official tried to intervene after arrest of Gabon FA chief accused of abuse cover-up

A senior official from African football’s governing body attempted to intervene in a state investigation into whether the president of the Gabonese Football Federation (Fegafoot) covered up widespread sexual abuse, the Guardian can reveal.

Pierre-Alain Mounguengui was indicted and placed under a committal order in Libreville last week for “failure to report crimes of paedophilia” having been arrested last month after allegations first made in the Guardian. He could face up to three years in prison if found guilty of not reporting to the authorities alleged sexual abuse by a number coaches. There is no suggestion Mounguengui – who was re-elected as Fegafoot’s president for a third term on 16 April – has been accused of sexual abuse himself. He has not commented on the charges.

In a letter to the Gabonese sports minister, Franck Nguema, dated 28 April, Véron Mosengo-Omba – the general secretary of the Confederation of African Football (Caf) – alleges that Mounguengui’s arrest two weeks after he was re-elected “is a disturbing coincidence” and evidence of “a new attempt to remove Mr Mounguengui from the management of Fegafoot”.

“While sharing the concern of the Gabonese state to investigate seriously in the event of suspicion of attacks committed in the exercise of football, Caf wonders in particular about the real reasons that have justifies the arrest of President Mounguengui and on those who would still justify his continued detention after questioning,” it reads.

“This arrest is perceived as a new attempt to remove Mr Mounguengui from the management of Fegafoot. Indeed, we are still awaiting the complete report of our delegates dispatched on the spot before and during the elections, but we know that irregular procedures