Associated Press writer Divine Ntaryike in Douala, Cameroon
August 7, 2012.
The Associated Press telephoned and emailed Cameroon's Olympic delegation, but no messages were answered.
Press Association, citing Cameroon media, said the seven all hold visas permitting them to remain legally in Britain until at least November.A private newspaper in Cameroon, Le Messager, reported that the athletes were supposed to fly back to Cameroon on Sunday but had vanished. It said they took their personal effects, a nearly $5,000 performance bonus and new sports equipment with them, citing an unnamed national Olympic official. The newspaper said Cameroon's Olympic delegation told Prime Minister Philemon Yang about the disappearances and asked boxing coach Justin Tchouem to explain why he allowed his players to keep their passports.Britain's Home Office, responsible for immigration, said it could not comment on whether any of the seven had applied for asylum.
Scotland Yard said it was investigating the reports but could not yet verify that the Cameroonian athletes had gone missing.
A sports reporter in Cameroon said some athletes had hinted before departing for London that they might attempt to stay there. "They said they were very demotivated and named insufficient government attention to their complaints, inadequate financing, poor preparation and substandard infrastructure," David Sandjo, a sports reporter for Sweet FM radio, told The Associated Press. "Some even said they would not hesitate to change their nationality if ever they had the chance."
It's not the first case of missing athletes in London. Before the July 27 opening ceremony, Sudan's embassy confirmed that three athletes had gone missing; one had applied for asylum and the other two were expected to do so………….. Associated Press
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The Yeh-Yeh Prime Minister think sey they no fit run away without their passports…. Another stupid leader…..I am sure Britain expected this would happen. No one would like to be in their situation. No one wants to live his homeland for another culture. Africa in general is in shambles. It is not going to be easy for them but I wish all the best of luck…… Papadip
Don't mind the stupid politician, I know something must be wrong in the camp before all these guys disappears.
Well sha, I hope they go back home to save African pride.
MAMA CHARLY, HERE I COME...I CAME,I COMPETED,I ESCAPED!
if u attack my papa house, I'll retaliate but if you are peace loving,I will embrace you
Posted: at 8-08-2012 04:53 AM (11 years ago) | Hero |
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