By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

Despite the controversial decisions by soccer decision-makers in the ongoing FA Cup league across the country, East End Lions Football club has narrowly progressed to the semifinals of the 2023/24 season.

The touchy progression came following a verdict by the Sierra Football Association Cup’s Disciplinary and Protest Committee convened on the 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,” a statement reads.

The ruling has favoured East End Lions 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 made its ruling.

Diamond Stars FC are 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, the committee rules.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mohamed Dabundeh is fined Five Million old Leones (NLe5000) for interfering with the progress of the match by rule 33.1 which gives the Committee the Power to determine such sanction.

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

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