Africa-Press – Angola. The Angolan Federation of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) withdrew the National Team from the African Games, which take place until the 23rd in Accra (Ghana), due to a lack of transparency on the part of the Global Association Of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA), a contracted entity by the organizing committee to manage the sport’s tournament.
At a press conference, held this Tuesday, in Luanda, the president of the Angolan Federation of Mixed Martial Arts (FAMMA), Armando Diogo, stated that he is unaware of the suitability of GAMMA, as it is not affiliated with the International Federation of Mixed Martial Arts (IMMAF) nor in the African Confederation of Mixed Martial Arts (MMAAC).
The reason for the decision, according to the director, is due to the fact that the event regulations provide for joint competitions between federated and amateur athletes, contrary to international stipulations.
According to the official, as soon as the leader of the caravan, the general secretary of FAMMA, José Gomes, came across such a situation, he immediately informed the higher bodies who advised Angola to preserve the integrity of its fighters.
“The fact is that amateur athletes, such as Angolans, were paired with professionals, contrary to the principles that govern the sport”, he reiterated.
To demonstrate the disorganization he referred to, Armando Diogo cited as an example the fact that the 13-year-old athlete, Stélvia Munhanha, Junior World Champion (44kg), was paired with a senior opponent from the professional class.
He explained that, given the scenario, together with the coordinator of the Angolan mission to the event, António da Luz, the federation withdrew its competitors from the race.
To better clarify what happened, according to the source, a meeting will be held on Saturday between the host country and the games organizing committee, with the presence of the President of FAMMA, Armando Diogo.
Here are the athletes from the National Team:
Stélvia Munhanha -44kg, Daniela Mandanji-52.2 kg, Lassaleth António-61.2 kg, Maria Kitoco-70.3 kg, Wilson Manuel-56.3 kg, Tulunda Miguel -70.1 kg, Stanislau Wezy-83.9 kg and Mário de Melo-93 kg.
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