Drogba: Politics must stop costing African teams
Former Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker, Didier Drogba has stated that African teams cannot continue to keep paying the price of politics and other stringent measures in the round leather game.
Drogba made the comments after it was confirmed Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, after his visa application was refused by the Canadian government.
According to the ex-footballer, something has to be done to change the status quo as it feels like only African teams and African supporters are the ones being affected the most.
He said; “With what I’m hearing, I don’t think this is heading in the right direction.
“First, Ghana could be without Thomas Partey for an important match because of issues unrelated to the competition. That’s a huge setback, not just for the team but for the entire country.
“Now we’re hearing reports of Senegalese fans facing visa difficulties. How is that fair?
“Imagine playing one of the biggest matches of your life without the support of your fans in the stadium.
Read Also: Morocco will deliver great performance against Brazil –Hakimi
“Football is about competition, atmosphere, and national pride. Supporters are a huge part of that experience.
“I think something has to be done and adjusted immediately because, from where I’m standing, it feels like African teams and African supporters are the ones being affected the most.
“The World Cup should unite nations, not create barriers for those who want to be part of it.” Drogba concluded.
FIFA in a statement issued on Friday confirmed Partey’s inability to travel from Ghana’s Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama and also noted that it is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries.
“FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government.
“FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.” The statement by FIFA read in part.
