Commonwealth Games 2018: Missing athletes might be visiting relatives, officials say

AT LEAST 11 African athletes and officials are believed to have fled during the Games, with speculation they will try to seek asylum in Australia, but the Commonwealth Games Federation chief has called for a reality check.

AFRICAN athletes who have gone missing from the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games may just be visiting relatives, officials claim.

At least 11 African athletes and officials are believed to have fled during the Games, with speculation they will try to seek asylum in Australia.

A Rwandan coach disappeared while taking a toilet break.

MIGRATION AGENCY: More than 40 athletes and officials looking for visas

VISA THREAT Dutton vows to deport missing Comm Games athletes

TREASON Rwandan athletes warned against fleeing

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has warned the missing athletes and officials, including eight Cameroonians, will be caught and deported if they overstay their visas which expire on May 15.

Petit David Minkoumba, of Cameroon, is among athletes who went missing from the Games village. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

At a media conference today, Ugandan netballer Peace Proscovia was asked about two weightlifters who have gone missing from her team.

Proscovia, Uganda’s vice-captain and opening ceremony flag-bearer, said the weightlifters might just be visiting relatives.

“Apparently it is too early for us to conclude anything because, basing on the fact that they had already finished their (sporting) activities, maybe the assumption is that they have just gone to visit a relative and (will) come back into the camp,” she said.

Squash player Yusif Mansaray failed to show for his match.

Missing Sierra Leone doubles squash player Ernest Jombla.

Commonwealth Games Federation chief David Grevemberg said it was ‘a very good point’.

“People do have families here in Australia,” he said.

“These athletes are still here in the county legally. This is largely a team matter and is being managed effectively by the team.”

Mr Grevemberg said all teams, including Cameroon, would be marching in the closing ceremony ‘as far as we are aware’.

Proscovia said team management was ‘doing all necessary things to get them (the missing weightlifters) back’.

“The team is ok ... and I believe nobody else will go missing,” she said.

“It is too early for the team to say anything basing on the fact that the date of their departure is still ahead.”

Originally published as Commonwealth Games 2018: Missing athletes might be visiting relatives, officials say