In an unprecedented turn of events at this year's World Cup, some soccer fans are seeking asylum in Brazil. The Ghanaians in the country have asked the Brazilian government to allow them to remain in the country following the expiration of their visas.

Almost 200 Ghanaians filed for asylum in the southern city of Caxias do Sul, according to AFP. The soccer fans claim religious violence in Ghana has pushed them to ask for asylum in Brazil, Brazilian authorities confirmed.

Caxias do Sol is in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. The Ghanaians have taken refuge in a Catholic church in the city. AFP adds that the makeup of the group is not clear, including the group's home regions and religion. However, the Ghanaians did cite conflicts between Muslim groups that makes returning home unsafe.

According to BBC News, the Ghanaian government denies these allegations, claiming they are unfounded. The BBC says the asylum seekers are members of Ghana's government-sponsored tournament delegation. They are believed to be mostly members of the ruling party.

Yet Ghana is one of West Africa's stablest nations, with a peaceful relationship between its Christian majority and Muslim minority, according to Bloomberg.

"The basis for this alleged request is completely false as no religious conflict is taking place in Ghana," said a statement from Deputy Information Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu, BBC News reported.

"Ghana's mission in Brazil has been instructed to liaise with the Brazilian authorities to investigate the matter."

Caxia do Sul's federal police chief said the Ghanaians probably want to work in the area since, it "is widely perceived as an area with plenty of job opportunities" but now is overcrowded, according to Agencia Brasil.