Soccer players go missing

Four members of the under-23 Iraqi soccer team went missing from the Mantra Resort, Ettalong Beach, at around 3am on November 18.

Players Ali Abbas, Ali Khadher, Ali Mansu and assistant coach Sadi Toma were reported to have deserted the team to seek political asylum in Australia.

The team had been staying at the Peninsula resort while they prepared for a game at Gosford.

The match at Gosford on November 17, saw Iraq beaten 2-0 by the Australian Olyroos.

Department of Immigration and Citizenship media representative Ms Kate Walshe said that the four missing men were not of any concern to the department until their temporary visa had expired.

"The men are still on valid visas," Ms Walshe said.

"We hope they will reappear and return home once their visas expire.

"If they do seek asylum, we will assess the claim like any other application.

"From a welfare point of view we hope they are okay."

None of the missing men had lodged asylum claims when Peninsula News went to print.

The men are believed to be staying in Sydney.

The Mantra Resort refused to comment on the Iraqi teams stay on the Peninsula or on details surrounding the disappearance of the four Iraqi men.

Clare Graham, 22 Nov 2007