Player stuck at Incheon airport after bid to obtain papers rejected.
Fleeing civil war in his home country Cameroon, Fossi Wandji found himself stuck in Incheon airport terminal for a year when his attempt at obtaining asylum from South Korea was rejected.
But the Asian nation is now counting on him to boost its chances at the Homeless World Cup tournament - something that could, in turn, bolster his bid at winning the right to stay on in South Korea.
Wandji, 27, is playing on a squad with seven South Korean players in the tournament, which showcases national teams made up of young, unhoused people, refugees and those who have battled substance abuse.
The tournament, newly backed by global football body Fifa, is hosted by Asia for the first time this year since it began in 2003.
The event bills itself as helping participants change their lives for the better through football and has already sparked a feel-good documentary starring Bill Nighy, plus a 2023 Korean movie called Dream.
Bu hikaye The Citizen dergisinin September 26, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Citizen dergisinin September 26, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
SA20 Is Next Best to the IPL
The SA20 continues to attract fans, fill stadiums and bring out the best in cricketers.
Vaal scratching worry
CONDITIONS: A NUMBER OF RUNNERS CONTESTED RACES AT LAST TWO MEETINGS
Hombre for Ayr double
Hombre De Guerra can make it back-to-back wins at Ayr today in the Try Racing TV For Free Now Novices' Limited Handicap Chase.
ANC to discuss structures' fate
NEC: DISBANDMENT OF KZN AND GAUTENG ON AGENDA
Inauguration a day of ironies
CHILLY: SAME DAY AS MARTIN LUTHER KING HOLIDAY
Pirates send out a clear message
RIVEIRO: PRAISES RESILIENCE SHOWN AGAINST AL-AHLY
Team SA is bullish
DAVOS: DELEGATION FROM GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS FORECASTS 3% GROWTH
King Calls Off Wedding
Surprise Moves: Zulu Monarch Also Fires His Right-Hand Man
United suffer dismal defeat
Manchester United crashed to a dismal 3-1 defeat against Brighton as Ruben Amorim's problems mounted on the day Old Trafford paid a sombre tribute to legendary striker Denis Law.
Gazans Go Home to Nothing
Displaced: Thousands Return to Razed Towns, Cities as Hamas, Israel Truce Kicks In