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The Central One Football Association (COFA) has indefinitely suspended the Bambara Town Community Football Team after violent incidents during their match against Fourah Bay Community in the COFA Inter-Community Champions League on September 12, 2024.
The suspension was decided by COFA’s Emergency Disciplinary Committee following a review of events during the match.
The match, which ended goalless, descended into chaos in the 67th minute when a disputed penalty was awarded to Fourah Bay.
Bambara Town’s players, officials, and supporters reacted angrily, resulting in the match being abandoned. Reports indicate that player Alpha Conteh slapped the center referee, while head coach Mr. Evera and other officials attacked match officials.
Supporters also damaged stadium property, including the perimeter fence and goalpost nets.
COFA’s Disciplinary Committee reviewed the evidence and found Bambara Town guilty of multiple offenses under the association’s regulations.
The penalties included awarding the match to Fourah Bay Community with three points and two goals, fining Bambara Town 10,000 Leones, and suspending the team indefinitely from COFA-organized competitions.
Additionally, player Alpha Conteh was suspended for one season, and head coach Mr. Evera was suspended indefinitely.
The suspension has prompted outrage from Bambara Town residents, who believe the ruling is unjust and stems from poor officiating.
Senior community member Mohamed K. Turay stated, “We believe this decision is unfair and malicious. We plan to appeal and may even take legal action if necessary.” Despite the suspension, Bambara Town retained gate proceeds from the match, totaling 16,960 Leones.
COFA’s disciplinary measures aim to maintain the league’s integrity and deter further misconduct. However, Bambara Town’s potential appeal could prolong the dispute.
COFA has reaffirmed its commitment to fair play and stated that any appeals will be reviewed according to their procedures.
The football community is now watching closely as this case may test COFA’s governance and disciplinary framework.
I want to registered my sincere appreciation to the emergency disciplinary committee, because I personally was there when the Bambra town players and supporter’s misbehaved with impunity.I totally support the wise decisions by the COFA disciplinary committee keep it up for a pragmatic actions.Gone are those day’s when you put on short behavior and go unpunished.This is a signal to those that may want to do the same performance.