Former Gabon Youth Coach Patrick Assoumou Eyi Banned for Life by FIFA Over Sexual Abuse
FIFA has permanently banned Patrick Assoumou Eyi, the former head coach of Gabon's under-17 football team, after finding him guilty of repeatedly sexually abusing multiple players. Eyi, commonly known as “Capello,” admitted to charges of rape, grooming, and exploitation of young players following allegations first uncovered by The Guardian in 2021.
Eyi, who led Gabon’s U-17 team until 2017, reportedly lured victims to his home—dubbed the “Garden of Eden”—where the abuse took place. FIFA initially suspended him provisionally in 2021 after the claims surfaced and launched an independent ethics investigation. On Tuesday, FIFA’s adjudicatory chamber confirmed that Eyi has been handed a lifetime ban from all football-related activities and fined 1 million Swiss francs (£878,000).
“The investigation into Mr. Eyi concerns complaints from at least four male football players who accused him of sexual abuse between 2006 and 2021. Most of these incidents occurred while the players were minors,” FIFA stated. “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.”
Beyond Eyi’s case, FIFA is continuing to investigate Gabonese football federation president Pierre-Alain Mounguengui over allegations that he failed to report sexual abuse by Eyi and other coaches. Last January, The Guardian reported that an independent investigator had recommended Mounguengui’s immediate suspension.
FIFA’s ruling marks a significant move in tackling abuse within football, as the organization continues to crack down on misconduct at all levels of the sport.
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