Eight Cameroonian athletes have been reported missing from the Athletes' Village at the Commonwealth Games in Australia.
Weightlifters Olivier Matam Matam, Arcangeline Fouodji Sonkbou and Petit Minkoumba, and boxers Christian Ndzie Tsoye, Simplice Fotsala, Arsene Fokou, Ulrich Yombo and Christelle Ndiang are currently unaccounted for, reports BBC Sport.
The Cameroonian authorities said before the Games that they are monitoring their athletes to ensure they do not overstay their visas, but the whereabouts of the eight is unknown.
Cameroon team manager Victor Agbor Nso expressed dismay at the news, admitting that it is potentially damaging for the country's image on the international stage and confirming that local police have been notified.
"We have officially informed our hierarchy back home: the ministry of sports and the president of the National Olympic Committee of Cameroon," he is quoted as saying. "We have also laid formal complaint to the Australian police."
The Commonwealth Games Federation has issued a statement confirming that it is monitoring the situation, but the organisers added that the athletes have "the right to travel freely" on their visas.
Mark Langshaw
