A youth football team from Ethiopia, consisting of about 20 players aged 14 to 17 and adult leaders, disappeared in Gothenburg, Sweden, following their participation in the Gothia Cup tournament.
The disappearance was noted on the final day of the event, July 19, when a school administrator discovered the group had left their accommodation without notifying anyone. Tournament organizers promptly reported the incident to Swedish police, who have since launched a missing persons investigation.
Ongoing Search and Investigation
As of 10 days after the tournament concluded, the team remains unaccounted for. Authorities have confirmed that none of the group have returned to Ethiopia. Police are collaborating with the Swedish Migration Agency and border officials to trace their whereabouts.
Fredrik Beckman, Gothia Cup spokesperson, described the situation as unexpected and noted the team had a good relationship with the tournament organizers. The last communication from the team was an email expressing gratitude and citing a "communication problem" without providing further details on their plans or location.
No Evidence of Criminal Activity
Swedish police have indicated there is no evidence suggesting criminal involvement such as smuggling. Ellinor Halldin from the missing persons unit stated that while disappearances have occurred previously at the Gothia Cup, the scale of this incident is unprecedented.
Authorities speculate the disappearance is voluntary and continue to monitor for any attempts by the individuals to cross borders or contact officials in other countries.
- Team included about 20 youth players and adult leaders
- Disappeared on final day of Gothia Cup, July 19
- Last contact was an email without details on whereabouts
- No signs of criminal activity
- Police working with migration and border agencies
