The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has suspended referee Shekita Deen Conteh for three months after the association’s Referees Committee concluded that he made an incorrect penalty decision during a recent league match.

In a press release issued on Monday, March 16, 2026, the SLFA said the disciplinary action followed a review of a reported incident during a league fixture between Luawa FC and Wilberforce Strikers FC played on February 28, 2026, at the Approved School Mini Stadium.

According to the statement, the Referees Committee conducted what it described as a “thorough examination of the match report and available video footage” before reaching its conclusion on the controversial decision made during the match.

The committee determined that referee Conteh wrongly awarded a penalty in favour of Wilberforce Strikers FC. After reviewing the incident, the committee found that the defender’s hand was in a natural position and that there was no additional movement that made the player’s body unnaturally bigger.

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As a result, the association said the decision to award a penalty was inconsistent with the Laws of the Game. Following this finding, the SLFA announced that Conteh has been suspended from officiating for three months with immediate effect.

“In addition to the suspension, the referee has been directed to attend a mandatory refresher course during the period as part of SLFA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen officiating standards,” the statement said.

The SLFA Referees Committee said the action forms part of the association’s commitment to improving refereeing standards and ensuring strict adherence to the Laws of the Game across competitions.

“The SLFA Referees Committee reiterates its commitment to upholding the integrity of officiating, ensuring strict adherence to the Laws of the Game, and promoting the continuous improvement of refereeing standards across all competitions,” the statement added.