Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has received a fine of £7,500 by The Confederation of African Football.
The Arsenal forward documented a rather unusual delay in checking in at the Banjul Airport in the Gambia. The incident took place last month before a clash between Gabon and Gambia in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Aubameyang, captain of the Gabon national team, posted to his social media displaying his fellow teammates sleeping on the floor.
Aubameyang Fined by The Confederation of African Football
The Delay Lasted Around Six Hours and Left Aubameyang Furious
Posting to Twitter, Aubameyang tagged the Confederation of African Football: “Just want to know why Gambia keep our passports for hours and they keep us at the airport are we hostage or what?” The fine given to Aubameyang seems arbitrary in comparison to the impact of the delay.
The Gambian ministry of health authorities insists the Gabonese delegation failed to produce the relevant paperwork for negative COVID-19 tests and also refused to undergo swabs on arrival.
The Gabon team left the airport at around 5:56 am. Eventually, the game took place and the Gambia defeated Gabon 2-1. Aubameyang once again took to social media making his feelings clear: “No words needed proud of the Panthers, even if we lost today.”
African football’s governing body set out fines for both sides after the incident brought negativity to AFCON. Aubameyang received a personal fine, whereas a fine of £75,000 went to the Gambian FA not complying with integrity. Alongside the fine, CAF released a statement berating the Gambian FA reminding all African nations of the expected qualities they should adhere to.
Only Goal Difference Separates the Two Teams in Group D
The result means that The Gambia are ahead of Gabon on goal difference with both teams on seven points. With two rounds of qualifying remaining, both of the teams will be desperate to qualify. Teams who finish in the top two of the group will advance to the finals in Cameroon in early 2022.
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