An entire Ethiopian football team – including players, coaches and adult officials – has disappeared after taking part in the international Gothia Cup youth tournament in Gothenburg.

Around twenty people, primarily boys aged between 14 and 17, together with adult officials, left their accommodation on the day of the final without informing anyone. Police have confirmed that they have not returned to Ethiopia.

Sporting events – a gateway for asylum seekers and migrants

The football team is the subject of an international search, but the disappearance is believed to have been deliberate. No active search operation is currently being conducted by the Swedish authorities. They are awaiting information about the group’s whereabouts.

The organisers have been in contact with one of the club’s officials, who is said to have confirmed that the players are safe and well and have contacted their families.

The Ethiopian Football Federation has distanced itself from the team and stated that it does not have a complete overview of the situation.

Swedish authorities have adopted a wait-and-see approach. Should the boys apply for asylum, they will most likely be processed in accordance with the normal procedures. For the time being, they are classified as missing persons rather than registered asylum seekers.

Gothia Cup attracts teams from all over the world, and this is not the first time that European sporting events have served as a gateway for asylum seekers and migrants. The disappearance of an entire team – including its adult officials – may indicate intent rather than coincidence. During the Norway Cup, it has become something of a “tradition” for Africans and migrants from the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region to abscond and apply for asylum: