FIFA to investigate football tragedy in Monrovia

FIFA have opened up an investigation into the series of events in the aftermath of the football tragedy at the Samuel K. Doe Stadium in Monrovia on Sunday where at least eight football fans died when dozens of people fell from upper-level seats onto spectators below after a metal barrier had given way.

The World Cup qualifying match between Liberia and Gambia ended at 1 – 1.

The stadium is due to hold its next match on June 13 when Senegal visit the hosts Liberia in another World Cup qualifier.

The thirty three thousand seater venue was built in 1987 and had been renovated after the country’s civil war ended five years ago.

It is reported that United Nations peacekeepers closed the stadium gates on Sunday once it had became clear it was already over capacity after thousands had entered using fake tickets.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that some security staff had sold tickets and had taken money from fans without tickets to let them in.