John Kamara Banned from Training Over Ebola Fears
Sierra Leonean international John Kamara has found himself in a difficult situation after returning to PAS Lamia, his Greek second division club, following the 2015 AFCON qualifiers.
What Happened:
Kamara was told not to attend training for 15 to 21 days.
The club cited fears of Ebola transmission, despite Kamara not having visited Sierra Leone in over a year.
Sierra Leone’s national team played their qualifiers in Cameroon due to the outbreak.
Kamara’s Response:
“The club asked me not to train for the next 15 or 21 days because of Ebola,” Kamara told the BBC.
“They made it clear I had to stay at home or travel abroad to see my family.”
Despite offering to undergo medical tests, Kamara was refused the opportunity to return to training. He expressed frustration and concern about his career and is now considering his next steps with family and his agent.
Background:
Sierra Leone, along with Liberia and Guinea, was among the countries most affected by the 2014 Ebola outbreak.
Players like Kamara were being stigmatized despite following protocols and staying away from the outbreak zones.
Broader Implications:
Kamara’s case highlights the tensions between public health concerns and player rights, especially when fear outweighs medical fact. His story echoes broader anxiety across Europe surrounding African players and the Ebola crisis during that period.
