Medeama SC disappointed in visa refusal

Premier League side Medeama SC has expressed disappointment in the club’s inability to secure visas for their entire squad after the US embassy granted only 14 players visas to travel to the USA to play in a friendly game.

The Board chairman of the club, Dr Toni Aubynn, said inasmuch as they felt disappointed by the decision to issue the team with inadequate travelling visas there was nothing they could do about it.

Speaking to the Graphic Sport in an interview last Friday, Dr Aubynn said they would not want to push the issue any further because the embassies had their own way of deciding who to allow into their country.

According to him, the team was nominated by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to represent the country in a friendly game with DC United as part of some Ghana diaspora activities in the US, and as such to grant just about 14 players visas was disappointing.

“I don’t think it’s something that we want to make any big deal out of. We don’t intend to make a big issue out of it”, Dr Aubynn said.

“Most countries when you apply for visa they decide who to grant it to. They granted some and they refused others”, 
Dr Aubynn admitted that the absence of all the players would naturally affect their performance but added that most of the key players got the visa to travel.

“Naturally when you don’t have all your team it could affect you but I think all the key players are there. I think there is a reason why you go to games with about 18 players but I think it’s a friendly game so…”, he said.

He disclosed that those who had the opportunity were due to return before Wednesday to prepare for their league matches.

The defending league champions who are making their debut in the CAF Champions League have also qualified for the group stages of the competition, and are expected to play in Group A alongside Al Ahly, Young Africans and CR Belouizdad.