MALI GAME POSTPONED

The Algerian Football Association has said that they have requested the international football governing body FIFA to postpone the date of their World Cup qualifier in Mali due to the security concerns in the West African country.

Algeria were all set to play against Bamako in the group H matches between the two teams on June 9, but it is thought that the football association are extremely concerned about the safety of their players due to the troubles in the Mali nation. The military coop that manager to dethrone the President Amadou Toumani Toure are facing stubborn resistance to hold their position.

There has been a lot of fighting going on in the Mali capital surrounding the issue. As a result of this, the Bamako has also been closed. This prevented the players of Nigeria’s Sunshine Stars and Egyptian club Al Ahli to depart the nation following the end of their weekend games on April 28. Finally, the Egyptians and the other players had to receive military support in order to leave the country. Algeria are concerned that their players might face the same issues when they travel to Mali. Hence, they have requested FIFA in order to consider postponing the date of the clash with Bamako.

“This approach is dictated by the exceptional situation in Mali and particularly in the city Bamako,” read a statement on the official website of the Algerian Football association. The military coup has been receiving widespread criticism for the actions they have caused in Mali. Many have said that it is not resembling democracy at all. The ruling junta has been named as the interim government until a suitable solution is found according to the spokesman from the country. The Egyptian players have said that Malian soldiers harassed them while they were in the hotels.