‘Explaining this is not easy’: how sexual abuse allegations rocked football in Gabon

“It all started in the early 90s,” says Armand Ossey. “I was only a teenager at the time, but like almost all my teammates, we saw this take over our football.”

Born in Libreville, Gabon’s capital, Ossey, a footballer who went on to play for Grenoble and Rouen in France and Moreirense in Portugal, is one of the few players in Gabon to have spoken publicly about allegations of sexual abuse in football, a subject which he describes as “absolute taboo”. “The feeling of shame predominates,” he says. “A lot of my friends have been there and don’t want to talk about it. Explaining this in our society is not easy. That’s why I’m talking too.”

The same story has been repeated by many players who have contacted the Guardian since we revealed that Patrick Assoumou Eyi – often known as “Capello” – was accused in December 2021 of raping, grooming and exploiting young players. Eyi was arrested and charged in Gabon. It is understood that Eyi is awaiting sentencing after admitting the charges against him.

The Guardian has spoken to more than 30 players who have opened up about the sexual abuse they say they have suffered in the Gabonese football system. The players’ allegations span three decades and relate to a large number of people. This is how, the alleged victims argue, it has been able to continue for so long. The new allegations include claims against a prominent Gabonese politician, a coach working in the country and an agent living in France. The claims have been denied by all the men.

Fifpro, the international players’ union, expressed “deep concerns” over the handling of an investigation by Gabon’s football federation, Fegafoot, into allegations of widespread sexual abuse “over at least the last two decades”. It called on