The Cameroon team chef de mission branded his country’s missing boxers and weightlifters “deserters”. Until now they have been in the country legally, but in order to remain they must lodge a formal claim for refugee status before their visas expire.

Several athletes have reportedly taken legal advice from an asylum resource centre in Melbourne – others are understood to have travelled to Sydney and Brisbane.

The Australian government has warned the athletes to hand themselves in or enforcement action will be taken – further warning that anyone without a valid visa will be tracked down, detained and deported.