The Guinean Muay Thaï, MMA and assimilated disciplines federation is set to participate in the African championship of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in Côte d'Ivoire from October 13 to 18. The federation's participation comes amidst a dispute with a local non-governmental organization. According to Mohamed Lamine Simakan, a member of the federation's technical bureau, the structure has been operating since 2017 with official documents attesting to its existence and activities.
The federation's dispute with the authorities centers on its recognition and legitimacy. Mohamed Lamine Simakan stated that the administrative procedure is ongoing, with the final verdict yet to be delivered. The federation has been recognized internationally since 2017 and is affiliated with the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA). The GAMMA has invited the federation to participate in the upcoming African championship in Côte d'Ivoire.
The Guinean federation is actively preparing for the competition, with athletes training daily to represent the country. Ibrahima Doumbouya, a professional MMA and boxing fighter, confirmed that the team is working hard to be in top physical condition for the championship. The federation's participation in the competition is contingent upon the clarification of its status and recognition by the Guinean authorities.
The Guinean Ministry of Sports has yet to provide a final verdict on the federation's status. Mohamed Lamine Simakan appealed to the authorities to clarify the situation and establish clear responsibilities for each structure. The emergence of a new federation practicing the same disciplines has further complicated the situation, prompting the Guinean Muay Thaï-MMA federation to seek intervention from the authorities.
The African championship of MMA in Côte d'Ivoire is expected to feature several countries. The Guinean federation's participation is subject to the support and accompaniment of the authorities, which would facilitate the participation of Guinean athletes in the competition. The federation has engaged with the Olympic Committee, Ministry of Sports, and other relevant institutions to regularize its status.
The dispute between the Guinean Muay Thaï-MMA federation and the authorities has been ongoing for some time. The federation's officials believe that recognition and support from the authorities would enable them to represent Guinea effectively in international competitions. The Guinean Muay Thaï-MMA federation is seeking a definitive clarification of its status to avoid further complications.
As the competition approaches, the Guinean Muay Thaï-MMA federation continues to prepare its athletes. The participation of the Guinean team in the African championship of MMA in Côte d'Ivoire would be a significant milestone, provided that the authorities provide the necessary support and recognition. The federation's officials remain hopeful that the situation will be resolved in time for the competition.
Key points
- The Guinean Muay Thaï-MMA federation is seeking clarification from the authorities on its status ahead of the African championship of MMA in Côte d'Ivoire.
- The federation has been operating since 2017 and has been recognized internationally by the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA).
- The Guinean authorities' recognition and support are crucial for the federation's participation in the competition.
