Bolivia v Gambia friendly cancelled after unilateral decision by Gambia

The international friendly between Bolivia and Gambia scheduled for Sunday in Santa Cruz de la Sierra has been cancelled after the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) decided to withdraw from the fixture.

The Bolivian Football Federation (FBF) confirmed the cancellation, saying the decision was taken unilaterally by the Gambia Football Federation despite an agreement having been signed between the two federations for the match to be played.

The fixture was expected to form part of both nations’ preparations during the international window, but it will no longer go ahead as planned.

In a statement, the FBF said it would pursue the matter through the appropriate football authorities and seek the economic and sporting sanctions applicable under the relevant regulations.

The cancellation comes after preparations had already been made for the match in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, leaving the FBF to address the implications of the late withdrawal.

The Bolivian federation has also confirmed that supporters who purchased tickets for the fixture will be entitled to refunds.

However, details of the refund process have not yet been announced, with the FBF saying further information will be provided in due course.

The dispute now leaves the two football federations facing the prospect of further action as the FBF seeks to establish the consequences of Gambia’s decision to pull out of the fixture.

For Bolivia, the cancellation means the national team will have to adjust its international-window plans after the scheduled meeting with Gambia was called off.

The FBF said it would provide additional information regarding the ticket refunds, while any disciplinary or financial consequences will be determined by the relevant football authorities.