SLFA Admits Offside Goal Error in Waterloo FC’s Draw Against FC Kallon
Osman Tolo Sesay The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has acknowledged a refereeing mistake that allowed Waterloo FC to score an equalizer against FC Kallon in the Leone Rock Premier League, admitting that the goal should have been disallowed for offside.
In a statement issued Monday, November 2, 2026, the SLFA Referees Committee said its review of match footage confirmed that Waterloo’s 79th-minute goal resulted from an offside position that was not correctly flagged by Assistant Referee Alhaji Saidu Dumbuya.
The controversial incident occurred during the November 1 encounter at the Approved School Field, where Waterloo FC and FC Kallon played to a 1-1 draw. Waterloo’s equalizer came after FC Kallon had taken the lead in the 42nd minute.
According to the Referees Committee, the failure to identify and signal the infringement allowed the goal to stand, contrary to Law 11 of the Laws of the Game, which governs offside decisions.
The committee said it would undertake further technical assessments and introduce corrective measures to address the officiating failure. These measures will include refresher training and possible administrative or disciplinary action against the officials involved.
While acknowledging the impact of the error, the committee expressed regret over the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to improving refereeing standards, strengthening accountability and protecting the integrity of the Leone Rock Premier League.
The admission comes as the league continues its 2026-27 campaign, with the controversy raising fresh concerns about the consistency and accuracy of match officiating in domestic football.
