Seven Cameroonian Olympians have gone AWOL during the London 2012 Olympics.
The country's Ministry of Sports and Physical Education confirmed five boxers, a swimmer and a women's footballer are believed to have absconded in a bid to remain in Europe for economic reasons.
Team Cameroon mission head David Ojong, in a letter sent to the Cameroonian sports ministry, said: "What began as rumour has finally turned out to be true."
The International Olympic Committee said today it was unaware of the disappearances.
Drusille Ngako, a reserve goalkeeper, swimmer Paul Ekane Edingue and the five boxers eliminated from the games.
Thomas Essomba, Christian Donfack Adjoufack, Abdon Mewoli, Blaise Yepmou Mendouo and Serge Ambomo were the others to disappear on Sunday from the Olympic Village.