Togolese goalkeeper to receive $100K from FIFA after being shot during the African Cup

Togolese goalkeeper to receive $100K from FIFA after being shot during the African Cup

2010-11-10 02:43:47 GMT+7 (ICT)

ZURICH (BNO NEWS) -- The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) on Tuesday announced that it will donate $100,000 to Togolese international goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale, who was seriously shot during January's African Cup of Nations.

Obilale was injured in an armed attack on the team's bus in the Angolan enclave of Cabinda, two days before the opening of the international competition in the African continent. The Togo national football team was traveling to the tournament when it was attacked by gunmen with the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC).

The ambush took the lives of assistant coach Amelete Abalo and press officer Stanislas O'cloo. the driver of the bus was also killed. Obilale sustained bullet wounds and was originally reported dead by several media. However, his French club GSI Pontivy denied the allegations and said he was underwent surgery.

Obilale, 25, is still not recovered from the lower back and abdomen injuries. He has been rehabilitating in France but his contract with Pintivy has expired. He announced that he still has difficulties at walking and he stopped thinking about returning to play soccer professionally.

The former international goalkeeper denounced the Togolese Football Federation as he claimed they forgot about him as he is enduring financial difficulties. In response, FIFA initially announced a $25,000 grant for Obilale which has been raised up to $100,000.

FIFA President Joseph Blatter sent a letter to Obiale wishing him a full recovery as well as lots of courage and strength. Despite the lack of support of the Togolese Football Federation, other players have supported Obilale such as world star Emmanuel Adebayor, who was also in the bus and has provided financial aid to the former soccer player.

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