Two Young Athletes Go Missing After Arrival
In a troubling incident that has captured attention, two under-18 players from Morocco’s national beach volleyball team vanished shortly after arriving in the Netherlands for the Under-18 Beach Volleyball World Championship, held from July 8 to July 12 in The Hague. The young athletes, identified as Bayadi and Al-Bayari, were representing their country and had traveled from their respective clubs, Moghreb Tetouan and Fath Union Sport of Rabat. However, their journey took an alarming turn as they seemingly slipped into obscurity almost immediately upon touching Dutch soil.
The news of their disappearance was first reported by the Moroccan media outlet Al Ittihad, which highlighted the shocking nature of the event, describing it as a “scandal that the federation kept quiet” from the public and the media. This assertion raises significant questions about the oversight and management of the athletes during international competitions, particularly given the youth and vulnerability of the players involved.
Investigation Underway Following Disappearance
On Tuesday, the Dutch volleyball federation, Nevobo, confirmed the situation to De Telegraaf, revealing that the two boys had left their hotel with personal belongings shortly after checking in. According to reports from other members of the Moroccan delegation, the teenagers even posted an Instagram message indicating they were in the city center of The Hague on the same day they went missing. When they failed to return to their hotel or attend the official registration, the Moroccan delegation promptly notified the Dutch federation, prompting Nevobo to involve local authorities. A spokesperson from Nevobo stated, “We called in the police,” indicating the seriousness of the situation, and it was noted that attempts to contact the boys' parents were unsuccessful.
Speculation arose that the two athletes might have traveled to meet relatives in Spain, illustrating the complexities surrounding their disappearance. Notably, the Moroccan delegation was not accompanied by an official federation representative; rather, they had a former volleyball player, identified as Rahma, who had previously played for the Royal Armed Forces club. This absence of formal oversight has drawn criticism, especially in light of a previous incident in 2021 when three players from Morocco’s Under-21 indoor volleyball team also disappeared during a world championship in Italy, prompting protests and criticism of the federation’s management practices.
Observers have pointed to these repeated incidents as a sign of inadequate leadership within the federation, warning that such occurrences could jeopardize the future of Moroccan volleyball, already struggling with poor performance and results. The current situation is viewed as a significant embarrassment for the Moroccan volleyball federation, as it faces accusations of attempting to downplay the severity of the issue. The disappearance of these young athletes not only raises concerns about their safety but also highlights the need for improved oversight and support for young talent in international sports.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
