Malappuram: Foreign football players in Malappuram are struggling to go back home as all matches were suspended due to COVID-19. The foreign players of Ucharakkadavu AYC football club have no means to return home.
Malappuram is famous for its football. Hence, a lot of foreign players reach here every season to take part in Sevens football tournaments.
Seven players came to Malappuram to play football for Ucharakkadavu AYC football club in January this year and in November last year. However, things did not turn out to be how they planned, due to COVID.
The football club tried to help the players return to their countries when it was clear that there will not be any football this season. After a lot of hard work, the club managed to sent back 5 players to their respective countries. Rs 5 lakh was spent in this regard.
However, Ghana native Jerry and Ivory Coast native Eric are stuck here and their condition is extremely sad. Although the club wants to help them to return home, money continues to be a challenge.
Currently, the club is taking care of all expenses of these players including food, stay and mobile phone recharge. This has caused huge financial liability to the club.
The players will have to take a connection flight from Dubai as they have to go to African countries. The tickets will cost lakhs of rupees. Club representatives stated that they hope someone will extend help to them.
