2022 FIFA WC Qualifier: Gambia lodges complaint with Algeria over attacks on FIFA referee Gassama
Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) has protested to Algeria over verbal attacks against a Gambian FIFA referee following the 2-1 home loss to Cameroon in the second leg of the FIFA 2022 World Cup playoff a month ago.
The GFF said it has lodged a formal complaint to the Algerian Football Federation for verbal attacks against referee Bakary Papa Gassama, by Algerian nationals since he officiated the match on the 29 March.
The GFF also said it has formally requested FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to open investigations and disciplinary proceedings against the head coach of the Algeria National Football Team, Mr. Djamel Belmadi, for his remarks on a video clip and on Algerian Television.
"Based on the foregoing, we have also asked the Algerian federation to make a public statement condemning the actions of Mr. Belmadi and all the verbal attacks against Mr. Gassama by Algerians and take all necessary precautions to restrain their officials and nationals from making any further negative remarks and threats against the person of Mr. Gassama," the Gambia FA said.
It added if this is not done, the Algerian football federation would be held responsible and complicit for any harm which may happen to the Gambian referee.
-0- PANA MSS/MA 28April2022
