Eritrean Football: The Deflation at Home and Abroad: Analysis

The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the African region have begun, but one team, Eritrea, has decided to withdraw from the competition. This means that Eritrea will miss out on 10 matches over the next two years and has effectively ended their World Cup dreams without even playing a single game. This is not an unfamiliar situation for Eritrean football fans, as the national team has missed out on 10 major international football competitions since 2010. While official explanations are not issued, it is believed by insiders that the country’s authoritarian regime has pulled the team out due to the likelihood of footballers defecting after away matches.

According to Daniel Solomon, a former Eritrean national team scout, the country’s lack of approved stadiums and the hassle of playing every match abroad was another reason for the withdrawal. Eritrea, under the rule of President Isaias Afwerki, has a history of press oppression, religious minority oppression, and mandatory military conscription, which has caused many Eritreans to flee the country. Eritrean refugees often cite the conscription policy as a reason for leaving the country. The country’s footballers have also taken this chance to escape by absconding while abroad during international competitions.

The Eritrean government has attempted to curb this trend by forcing departing players to sign financial bonds to ensure their return. However, this measure has not been successful, and the departures have severely impacted the country’s footballing fortunes. Eritrean players used to form the backbone of successful Ethiopian national teams, but many have absconded, leaving the teams weakened. Eritrean local teams have also suffered losses, and even the female U-20 team has seen members not returning after a regional qualification game.

The departures have affected the lives of Eritrean footballers who have fled the country as well. They have spoken of being underfed, physically abused, and threatened with shooting during their mandatory military service. Despite being resettled in other countries, they still live in fear of the Eritrean government, which has accused them of betraying their country.

In an attempt to reduce desertions, the Eritrean National Football Federation began recruiting European-born footballers of Eritrean descent who are eligible to play for Eritrea under FIFA regulations. However, this cannot be a substitute for the talent cultivated through domestic league play. To improve the situation, the scout suggests the development of a professional league in Eritrea that offers reasonable salaries to players and deters them from fleeing.

The future of the Eritrean national team is uncertain, but they are scheduled to compete in the 2025 African Cup of Nations. However, it remains to be seen if the country will participate. The President of the Eritrean National Football Federation did not respond to requests for comment.

Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the reasons behind Eritrea’s withdrawal from the World Cup qualifiers and the impact it has had on the country’s footballing scene. It relies on insights from former Eritrean national team scouts, footballers who have absconded, and Eritrean football insiders. The sources seem credible and offer valuable perspectives on the situation.

However, it is important to note that there is limited official information and statements from the Eritrean government. This may leave some room for speculation and potential biases in the article. The article’s focus on the political situation in Eritrea and the negative aspects of living in the country might contribute to a somewhat one-sided view of the topic.

The article’s overall impact is significant, as it sheds light on the challenges faced by Eritrean football and the reasons behind the country’s withdrawal from international competitions. It highlights the authoritarian regime’s influence on the team’s decisions and the impact of mandatory military conscription on Eritrean footballers.

In terms of the political landscape and prevalence of fake news, it is crucial for readers to critically evaluate the information presented and consider alternative perspectives. The article’s reliance on insider accounts and the lack of official statements may contribute to misinformation or a nuanced understanding of the topic. Readers should seek additional sources and viewpoints to form a more comprehensive view of the situation.

Source: Aljazeera news: Missing in action: How Eritrean football was deflated at home and abroad