The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) have called FIFA to take action over continued verbal abuse directed to Gambian referee Papa Gassama since his handling of 2022 World Cup qualifier between Algeria and Cameroon.
Algeria lost 2-1 at home on March 29 to the Indomitable Lions, who fought back and secured the away victory after extra-time that saw them progress to Qatar on the away goals rule.
Gassama, an experienced arbitrator, has been under fire by alleged Algerian nationals through various media platforms over what they allege as “scandalous arbitration” which “distorted the result”.
In a statement, GFF said the verbal attacks should be investigated by CAF, while FIFA should also open investigations on the matter.
“The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) wishes to inform its stakeholders and the general public that it has been following with grave concern the sustained verbal attacks launched against the person of FIFA Gambian Referee, Mr. Bakary Papa Gassama, by Algerian nationals through the various forms of media, ever since he officiated Algeria’s 2-1 home defeat to Cameroon in the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers played on the 29th March, 2022,” the statement on GFF website said.
“The Federation has lodged a formal complaint to the Algerian Football Federation on the matter, and has formally requested FIFA and 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 an Algerian Television.
“Based on the foregoing, we’ve 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. Otherwise, their federation will be held responsible and complicit for any harm which may happen to him.
“In conclusion, the GFF wishes to assure that they are in constant contact with Papa, and that all security precautions are in place to keep him away from harm’s way when he returns home from an overseas assignment.”
