Harare, Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwean government has opened an investigation into the disappearance of eight Zimbabwean soccer players in London last week. The players, part of a group of 40 who were in Britain to play exhibition games, did not show up for their return flights, and authorities suspect that they want to claim asylum. “We want these boys back as soon as possible,” said Rafik Khan, president of the Zimbabwe Football Association. “The sooner they come back, the sooner we can find out what their position is.” But the eight are unlikely to return voluntarily. Zimbabwe’s high unemployment, food shortages, hyperinflation, and relentless political repression have driven many abroad. Four other pro soccer players have relocated to Britain in the past few years.
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