Wayne Lumbasi
The Gambian Football Federation announced that it had filed a complaint against an Algeria coach after his controversial remarks about the Gambian referee Bakary Gassama, who had officiated during the return play-off counting for the FIFA world cup between Algeria and Cameroon (2-1 defeat).
Algeria were unhappy with Gambian referee, Gassama, who ruled out a potential winner for Algeria. The head coach of the Algeria national football team, Djamel Belmadi, was not impressed with the way the Gambian referee officiated the match.
The 46-year-old went on to lodge a complaint with the Confederations of African Football (CAF), demanding a replay. Belmadi also suggested that Cameroon connived with Gambian referee Gassama to rob Algeria of a World Cup.
The Gambian Football Federation has requested FIFA and CAF to open investigation and disciplinary proceedings against head coach for his remarks on a video clip and an Algerian Television.
The Gambia also asked the Algerian federation to make a public statement condemning the actions of Mr. Belmadi and all the verbal attacks against Gassama by Algerians and take all necessary precautions to restrain their officials and nationals from making any further negative remarks and threats against the person of Gassama.
