Gabon Settles Neveu’s Debt, Avoids FIFA Sanctions

Gabon Settles Neveu’s Debt, Avoids FIFA Sanctions

Sampson Adedeji

French coach Patrice Neveu has finally received the €522,883.66 owed to him by the Gabon Football Federation, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The long-standing financial dispute between Neveu and the Central African nation has been resolved, ending a saga that lasted over a year.

FIFA had awarded the severance pay in April 2024, but the payment was delayed until just hours before the final deadline.

“I checked my account at 9 p.m., and there was nothing,” Neveu said.

“The money arrived later, after 10 p.m. The matter is resolved, but it took a year.”

The Gabonese government stepped in to fulfil the payment, as the federation was unable to meet FIFA’s financial requirements.

Failure to pay by the April 25 deadline could have resulted in serious sanctions, including the loss of qualifying points for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With the payment now completed, Gabon avoids potential sporting penalties and closes a tense chapter in its football administration.