Five U-20 players denied entry into Nicaragua; GFF to write Concacaf

Five Under-20 players, who were part of the Guyana team to compete in the Concacaf Men’s Under-20 championship, have been denied entry into the host nation Nicaragua.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) made the announcement last evening. On Thursday, the GFF confirmed the players are back home.

Below is a statement issued by the GFF with the regards the circumstances surrounding the players being denied entry.

“Five Under-20 players were denied entry into Nicaraguan by the immigration authorities. Upon arrival, the immigration authorities informed the Staff that a quarantine period of 10 days was required for the Yellow Fever vaccine.

The U-20 contingent did not satisfy that condition. Strangely however, 10 players with the exact vaccination date were permitted entry into the country.

The Under-20 Team Manager also complained about the hostile reception the team received from the Nicaraguan immigration authorities, who subjected the players and staff to several layers of security checks that lasted for hours.

This development has resulted in the reduction of the team to 15 players; one Goalkeeper, two Midfielders and two Defenders being refused entry into the country and thus exiting the tournament.

The GFF will be making a formal complaint to Concacaf once all the details are presented by the Management Team.

The GFF has since informed the parents/caregivers of the players in question about the situation and has been in contact with the players throughout the ordeal in order to ensure their safe return to Guyana.”

The Concacaf U-20 Men’s Qualifiers will be held in Nicaragua from February 15-23.

Match One: 15th February at 17:30h – Guyana vs Montserrat

Match Two: 17th February at 17:30h – St. Vincent and The Grenadines vs Guyana

Match Three: 21st February at 20:30h – US Virgin Islands vs Guyana

Match Four: 23rd February at 20:30h – Nicaragua vs Guyana