Ethiopian Football Federation clarifies reports of missing youth players in Sweden

The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) has moved to clarify reports surrounding the alleged disappearance of a group of young Ethiopian footballers during the Gothia Cup tournament in Sweden.

The Federation expressed sadness over the reports but stressed that the players involved were not part of an official Ethiopian national team delegation.

In a statement, the EFF explained that the players travelled to Sweden independently after securing the opportunity to participate in the prestigious youth tournament on their own.

The governing body said it was concerned about the situation but insisted that it was important for the public and media to accurately identify the team involved and avoid linking the matter to an official national side.

“The team was not an Ethiopian National Team,” the Federation stated, adding that the players’ participation was arranged independently and not under the supervision or management of the EFF.

The EFF has since urged journalists and the public to exercise caution when reporting on the matter, emphasising the need for accurate information to prevent misconceptions about Ethiopia’s official football structures.

The Gothia Cup, one of the world’s largest youth football tournaments, attracts thousands of young players from across the globe each year and has historically provided a platform for emerging talents to showcase their abilities.