The President of a 1st division club, Charles Boakai Massaley, has expressed sadness over the reported failure of the Liberia Football Foundation to participate in the 2022 Gothia Cup in Sweden.
The competition is one of the World’s most prestigious youth tournaments. Liberia has played in the competition on three occasions and lifted the trophy every time they participated in the tournament.
In 1997, Dioh Williams, Dulee Johnson, Zah Krangar, Ezekiel Sunday Doekpa, and others were crowned under 13 champions. The following year, Liberia won the under 14 categories and was again crowned the under 15 championship in 1999.
Despite, the country’s overwhelming performances in the past editions, they could not participate in the 2022 edition which kicked off Sunday because of financial problems.
Based on the news about the hope of Liberia’s participation nearly coming to an end, Mr. Charles Boakai Massaley, used his social media page to voice out his frustration about the abrupt end of the trip.
According to him, the amount of USD$12,000.00 was still outstanding out of a total amount of USD$39,000.00 to complete the payment for a delegation comprising twenty young players and four officials to honor the tournament.
The Muscat FC President said he was forced to leave Paynesville on Sunday, July 17, 2022, due to the emotional scene of the physical appearance of the young player’s couple with tears and hosts of other saddened happenings.
“I was forced to leave Paynesville on Sunday due to the posture of our kids who were yearning to represent our beloved country, I couldn’t stand it at all, accommodation, local transportation, and feeding are all booked. The problem now is to complete the amount of twelve thousand United States dollars (USD$12,000.00) to complete the 39,000USD budget, he said”.
He called on well-meaning Liberians, the Government of Liberia, and the Liberia Football Association, to help the children travel and get exposure.
Mr. Massaley noted that he sees the Liberian flag flying high at the stadium where the tournament is staged, but to not see the country participating is a sad situation.
Meanwhile, Gothia Cup has grown massively throughout the years since the first tournament in 1975. Each year, about 1,700 teams from 80 different nations take part in the international soccer tournament and play over 4,500 games on over 100 pitches throughout Gothenburg.
The opening ceremony of the Gothia Cup at Ullevi Stadium attracts over 50,000 spectators and international soccer participants.
To make this competition genuinely exceptional for all of the competitors, over 1,100 people volunteer each year. After all, the title “youth world cup” is not a misnomer! The Gothia Cup offers more than just top-tier international soccer competitions and top-notch playing surfaces.
Located on the beautiful west coast of Sweden, Gothenburg has all the excitement of a major seaport city, including fine beaches, water sports, boat trips, shopping, and dining, making it a great travel destination for youth soccer teams.
Reported by Sports Director: Sylvester Tamba
Email: stamba498@gmail.com
Phone number: +231776687195
Whatsapp number: +231776687195
