DIRCO says stranded football team in Spain is safe as return flights still pending
DIRCO confirmed that officials have booked the stranded group of young football players and coaches into a hotel in Spain and that they are safe.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed that the group of young football players and coaches stranded in Spain is safe and currently staying in a hotel.
This follows the failure of a Cape Town-based youth football academy to secure return flights.
The group, made up of 25 children aged between 13 and 18 and three coaches, reportedly travelled to San Sebastián to take part in the Donosti Cup.
CAPE TOWN ACADEMY BLAMES VISA APPOINTMENT SLOTS FOR DELAY
The academy sent the group to Spain on 6 July, planning for their return on 16 July. However, a week after their scheduled return, the children and coaches are still stranded in Spain without food or accommodation.
The academy responsible for the trip said in a statement that a delay in visas caused the chaos. It said that late visa appointment slots caused a struggle to book flights. The academy said rising prices have prevented them from booking flights for the entire group.
DIRCO CONFIRMED TEAMS ARE SAFE
Clayson Monyela, Deputy Director-General at DIRCO, said his team has been managing a flood of complaints since Friday, 18 July. Monyela confirmed that the team is currently staying in a hotel and is safe
“BT Academy has confirmed to us that they’re buying tickets to get everyone back. We’ll provide an update as soon as tickets are secured,” Monyela said.