East End Lions has progressed to the semifinals of the 2023/24 FA Cup. The controversial progression came following a decision by the Sierra Football Association Cup Disciplinary and Protest Committee convened on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the Sierra Leone Football Academy in Kingtom, Freetown.

The committee addressed a disciplinary matter related to the FA Cup match between Diamond Stars FC and East End Lions FC at Koidu Field on Wednesday, March 20th, 2024. The ruling favours East End Lion progression to the next Phase of the FA Cup competition.

After a thorough examination of the Match Commissioner’s Report and Referee’s Report, the committee rules as follows;

  1. DIAMOND STARS FOOTBALL CLUB is found liable to have caused the match to end abruptly contrary to Article 24.2 of the FA Cup Rules and therefore forfeits the match against EAST END LIONS FOOTBALL CLUB.

  2. Mr. Mohamed Dabundeh is Fined Five Million Leones (Le5000) for interfering with the progress of the match by Rule 33.1 which gives the Committee the Power to determine such sanction.

  3. Additionally, Diamond Stars is found to have failed in its duty to control/manage its supporters, as per Rule 33.3, and is thus fined the sum of Three Thousand New Leones (Le3,000).

Though the decision is open to appeal, accordingly, East End Lions has progressed to the semifinals of the 2023/24 FA Cup.