Some imams in Pirang, Kombo East were unhappy when they learned that international footballer James Gomez married a Muslim woman from their village, Mariama Jammeh, without converting to Islam.

In an audio message shared with What's On-Gambia, one of the imams revealed that they had visited Mariama's uncle, Alieu Jammeh, to inform him that the marriage should be annulled.

"When we met with Alieu, he explained that James' family came with their own team to conduct the marriage in his compound. But he promised to inform Mariama's father in Bundung that it is not permissible for a Muslim woman to marry a non-Muslim man unless he converts to Islam before the marriage," the imam said.

James Gomez, one of the country's most successful footballers, married Mariama last week in a private ceremony, despite their differing religious backgrounds.

After learning that some imams were trying to annul their marriage, the footballer took to Instagram and posted a photo of  Mariama with the caption: "Love comes first!"

One of his followers commented: "Enjoy life together. Love comes first, everything else comes after."

Another added, "God comes first; may He guide you to the straight path."