IFK Göteborg's New Signing Delayed by Ebola Travel Restrictions
Peter Lazarus has been confirmed as an IFK Göteborg player but the 18-year-old South Sudanese talent is still waiting to travel to Sweden.
SFN Editor ·
IFK Göteborg have completed the signing of teenage talent Peter Lazarus, but the South Sudanese 18-year-old has yet to set foot in Gothenburg. A combination of heavy bureaucracy and ebola-related travel restrictions have prevented the youngster from making the journey to Sweden.
"Due to ebola, it is much harder to travel from certain countries," – Joachim Björklund, speaking to https://www.expressen.se/sport/fotboll/allsvenskan/ebolaviruset-staller-till-det-for-blavittalangen-/.
In response, the Allsvenskan club are now exploring a workaround that would see Lazarus first travel to a third country where visa processing and travel logistics are more straightforward. IFK Göteborg's sporting director Björklund acknowledged the complexity of the situation but stressed the club is committed to handling everything correctly. "It is not the easiest bureaucracy, but we will make sure to do everything right," he added.
IFK Göteborg, one of Sweden's most historic clubs with multiple Swedish championships and European pedigree, have clearly invested faith in Lazarus despite the logistical headache. The unusual circumstances surrounding his arrival highlight the broader challenges Swedish clubs can face when recruiting young talent from regions affected by health crises and associated travel curbs.
Meanwhile, there is better news on another recent recruitment front. Nigerian midfield prospect Ifeoluwa Olowoporoku has already joined up with the Blåvitt squad and is presumably integrating into the club's setup ahead of the second half of the Allsvenskan season. With Lazarus still in limbo, it remains to be seen exactly when the South Sudanese teenager will finally get the chance to pull on the famous blue and white shirt.