Communications between Liberian authorities and its Gambian counterparts indicate that the GFA reportedly received instructions from the Gambian government not to allow Liberian footballers on the Gambian soil over the deadly Ebola virus fears. The GFA had initially written BYC giving their Liberian rivals the green-light to arrive in Banjul for the Feb. 14 champions league duel.
Airlines refuse issuing tickets to the footballers which left Liberians finding the stigmatizing outrageous and complaint are coming from citizens both national wide and globally.
The Liberia Football Association's Secretary General, B. Alphonso, who wants the situation to be settle as quick as possible, as the team due to travel Feb 11, 2015 but plans had been put on hold for today Feb 9th, to meet the relevant authority. Mr Alphonso contacted Abass Bah from the Gambia Football Association regarding the matter and Bah explains:
'I wish to write to shed more light on my last email message on the BYC FC travel to the Gambia for their match with Real De Banjul. In this regard, I wish to repeat that the Government of the Gambia has announced that the ban on the movement of people to and from Ebola infected Countries (Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone) has been lifted with immediate effect from 6th February 2015.This decision was announced on Public media last night. Therefore, what the GFF intends to do on Monday(as the official working week in the Gambia is Monday to Thursday) is to ensure that the Ministry of Transportation transmit the decision to the Concerned Airlines and Travel Agencies, if such action has not been taken yet. In this case - Royal Air Maroc. I wish to observe that you are assuming in your email message that the ban is still in force which is not the case. Whilst assuring all that the GFF and Real de Banjul FC are fully prepared to receive their brothers in football in the spirit of African solidarity. I wish to indulge the patience and understanding of all.'
Image:©tlcafrica
Source: frontpageafrica
