The British 16-17-year-old boys soccer team had just gone out of the tournament last Friday when parts of the team chose to swim together at the municipal bathhouse in Alingsås, the town where they played their matches during the tournament.
But according to Gothia Cup’s communications manager Malin Fahlén, no adults from the English club came along.
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After last year’s fatal accident, Gothia Cup and Alingsås municipality had discussions about how to prevent it from happening again.
– From our side, we stated that we wished that the bathhouse’s side could have as a requirement to let someone in have a leader’s card to ensure that leaders are in place when our participants are there.
Do you know if there was that time?
– This team had no leader in place, says Malin Fahlén.
Sara Dahlin, administrative manager of the culture and education administration, confirms that it has been discussed with Gothia cup that leaders should be in place, but does not want to answer what the routines look like at the moment.
– We have had a good dialogue with Gothia about the desire for teams to have a leader with them. How it looked at the relevant time of the accident is referred to the investigation, she says.
“We are responsible for what happens on the pitch”
Gothia Cup has stepped in with resources to support the affected family.
– First and foremost just to be there as fellow human beings in this most difficult of times and try to help with practical things, says Malin Fahlén.
What responsibility does the Gothia Cup have?
– We are responsible for what happens on our plans, on our accommodations and the activities we arrange. What players and managers do in their free time when they are not playing matches is nothing we are aware of.
What have you as an organization learned after last year’s tragic accident?
– Lots of things you wish you never had to learn. For our part, that summation and that evaluation will come later. Now all the focus is on supporting those affected and those who are in mourning, says Malin Fahlén.
SVT has searched in vain for representatives of the British club.