Following the conclusion of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Police Scotland has received reports of multiple athletes who have not returned to their home countries with their teams.

Among those unaccounted for are four members of the Ugandan boxing squad. According to NBS Sport, one of the missing boxers disclosed that the group intends to seek asylum in Scotland to pursue improved training and career opportunities. Similarly, Pakistani boxer Qudratullah was reported missing after failing to board his flight home.

Police Scotland confirmed ongoing inquiries and collaboration with the UK Home Office to understand the circumstances surrounding these disappearances. A spokesperson stated, "Police Scotland has received reports of several athletes who are unaccounted for. Inquiries are ongoing, and early engagement is taking place with the Home Office."

Historically, the Commonwealth Games have seen similar cases. In 2014, held also in Glasgow, several athletes went missing post-competition, with some later claiming asylum or continuing their sports careers abroad.

Glasgow 2026 organizers emphasized their cooperation with law enforcement and immigration authorities to ensure a secure end to the event, which hosted 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations over 11 days.

The Ugandan team has declined to comment on the situation, and the remainder of their squad has since departed Glasgow.

Background and Context

  • Length of stay policy required athletes to leave Games accommodation within two nights after their events concluded.
  • The Home Office implements enhanced checks before major sporting events to control entry and monitor participants.
  • Any asylum applications by missing athletes will be evaluated individually based on evidence and circumstances.
  • Past incidents include Ugandan rugby players disappearing in 2014 and a Cameroonian weightlifter who sought asylum after competing.

The 2026 Games featured a streamlined format across four Glasgow venues after the original host city, Victoria, withdrew. Organizers described the event as having "saved and reinvented" the competition's future.