Alaixys Romao has decided to leave the Togo national football team camp on concerns about playing in Libya, particularly in Benghazi, due to the unstable socio-political situation. Despite FIFA’s decision to relocate the match to Tripoli, the capital of Libya, Romao, who plays for Marseille, chose not to participate, expressing his unease with the new venue. Along with Romao, attacker Jonathan Ayité, who started in the match against Cameroon, has also left the team.
The initial joy of the victory against Cameroon has been replaced by apprehension and uncertainty since Sunday evening. There are now questions about who might be the next player to withdraw. Serge Gakpé, who has expressed concerns about playing in Tripoli, is mentioned as a potential candidate to reconsider his participation. Gakpé stated, “They can always say that Congo played in Tripoli and that it went well. But, when we experienced the tragedy of 2010, we don’t want to take any risks. I hope that Fifa and CAF will find a solution so that we can play this meeting in a healthy climate,” during an interview with RFI. French coach Didier Six and his deputy Alain Happe also have expressed doubts about their participation. The situation underscores the challenges and considerations involved in international sports events held in regions facing instability and security concerns.
