Liverpool are working to bring midfielder Naby Keita back to England after a coup-d’etat broke out whilst he was on international duty in his home country of Guinea.
Guinea were due to play Morocco in the African section of World Cup qualifying later today.
FIFA confirmed on Sunday that the game has been postponed, and a statement on their official website read: “The current political and security situation in Guinea is quite volatile and is being closely monitored by FIFA and CAF.
“To ensure the safety and security of all players and to protect match officials, FIFA and CAF have decided to postpone the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying match Guinea vs. Morocco.”
Morocco reportedly trained in Guinea on Saturday morning, hours before the coup took place.
A group of soldiers then invaded the presidential palace and surrounded president Alpha Conde, with heavy gunfire heard on the streets around the palace.
BBC have reported that Conde has been detained by the group of soldiers, who claimed to have seized power on live TV.
After the coup began, the Morocco team were told to stay inside their hotel until they were given special dispensation to leave the country.
Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi tweeted: “Thank you all for the messages and support, it has been a very intense day but thank God we are safe and sound in Morocco. Good evening.”
Liverpool in “constant contact” with Keita
Guinea players, meanwhile, are still in the country – and Liverpool say they are in “constant contact” with Keita as they attempt to organise a return to England.
A club spokesperson told the PA news agency: “We have had regular communication via his national team management.
“We are satisfied that he is safe and well cared for. Obviously the situation is fluid and we will maintain regular dialogue with the relevant authorities as we work to get Naby back to Liverpool in a timely and secure manner.”
Guinea is currently on the UK’s amber list, meaning Keita will not need to quarantine if he is fully vaccinated.
Liverpool are next in action on September 12, when they travel to Elland Road to take on Leeds in the Premier League.
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