The 2025 WAFU Zone ‘A’ Women’s Cup, originally slated for May 19-31 in Nouakchott, Mauritania, has been pushed back to May 22-31 due to visa complications encountered by the Liberian and Sierra Leonean national teams. Both teams found themselves stranded, Liberia in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone in Conakry, Guinea, unable to secure the necessary travel documents to reach Mauritania in time for the tournament’s initial start date. The delay underscores the logistical challenges that can plague international sporting events, particularly in regions with complex visa requirements. The late arrival of these two teams not only disrupted the tournament schedule but also cast a shadow over the preparations and morale of the players.
The Liberian Football Association (LFA) remained tight-lipped about the details of its delegation’s travel arrangements, including the visa application process. Their eventual departure date was set for May 19, having already spent several days in Abidjan. Similarly, the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) announced its team’s departure for May 21, after a period of waiting in Conakry. The delayed departures forced both teams to establish temporary training camps in their respective holding locations, adding an unexpected layer of complexity to their pre-tournament preparations.
The LFA offered an explanation regarding the visa difficulties only after media reports brought the situation to light. The SLFA also confirmed its team’s predicament after journalistic reports revealed the visa issues in Conakry. Interestingly, both associations initially dismissed the media reports, suggesting an impending statement from WAFU would vindicate their positions. However, WAFU simply rescheduled the tournament without providing a specific reason for the change, leaving many to infer the connection to the visa issues.
The Liberian team’s morale reportedly suffered a further blow due to a meager per diem allowance of US$200 provided by the LFA. This relatively small sum, especially considering the extended travel delays and unexpected expenses, added to the players’ anxieties. The situation raised eyebrows given the LFA President’s prominent positions as a WAFU Vice President and a CAF Executive Committee member, prompting questions about the adequacy of player support and the overall management of the situation.
Despite the setbacks, the tournament is set to proceed with the revised schedule. Liberia, placed in Group ‘A’ alongside Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali, will play their opening match against Guinea-Bissau on May 22. Sierra Leone, part of Group ‘B’ with Senegal, Guinea, and Gambia, will face Gambia in their first match on the same day. All participating nations, including Gambia, which arrived in Nouakchott on May 17, are now present in Mauritania, paving the way for the competition to begin.
The incident highlights the critical importance of efficient visa processing and clear communication in international sports events. The delays experienced by Liberia and Sierra Leone underscore the potential for bureaucratic hurdles to disrupt carefully planned tournaments and negatively impact the athletes’ experience. While the tournament will eventually proceed, the episode serves as a reminder of the logistical complexities that must be addressed to ensure smooth and successful international sporting competitions. Moving forward, greater transparency and proactive communication from football associations and organizing bodies will be crucial to prevent similar situations from arising in the future.
