Skip to main content

Sierra Leone Fans disappointed over Spectators ban

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson - (AR-Wilson)

Football world governing body FIFA has sanctioned the Sierra Leone Football Association with a fine of CHF 50,000 for lack of order, throwing of objects, invasion of the field of play among other incidents that happened in connection with the match between Sierra Leone and Liberia on September 8, 2019 in Freetown during the newest FIFA World cup Qatar 2022 preliminary competition as stated in a its media advisory which further orders the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) to play one match without spectators.

This latest decision from FIFA has left fans and supporters of Sierra Leone and many Sierra Leoneans frustrated at a time when the nation is bracing up for the 2021 AFCON qualifiers. The fine levied is equivalent to $45,000 which is about 500,000,000 in Leones including a spectators ban which will possibly be served on November, 11 when Leone Stars will face the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Siaka Steven Stadium in Freetown.

“Honestly, this News shocks me especially when we have a well determined team preparing for our games in the 2021 AFCON Qualifiers. We will beat Lesotho but I must confess that Playing in an empty stadium without spectators is never easy because to me it is just like big sharks swimming in a mini swimming pool”, Suffian Kalokoh a top striker in the country told Northern Times.

Leone Stars on September 8, defeated Liberia 1-0 at home in their return leg of the 2022 FIFA World cup prelims but they failed to progress to the group stage narrowly on a 3-2 aggregate.

Tetteh’s men replied the Lone Star with a 1-0 win at the beautiful city of Thies in the 2019 WAFU Nations cup where they went into the quarter final but a 1-0 lost to the Eagles of Mali knocked them out of the tournament.

Despite all efforts made by Sierra Leone to progress to the semis, the Eagles stopped them, and hopes were now set high for a record breaking attendance of local fans and a huge support anticipated for by its football federation on 11th November, 2019 when the team will be locking horns with Lesotho but such zeal could now be seen in the drains since no spectator is entitled to witness that match at the stadium anymore.

“This will have a major physiological impact on the players. We have to start training in empty venues with loads of security for the players to get used to it. But it is a very serious situation that should not be taken lightly. It is not something the players are used to”, Leone Stars Assistant Coach, Musa Kallon told Northern Times.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

IMC Boss Engages Bo District Council Chairman

By: Paul Kamara The Chairman of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq, conducted a familiarization visit on Friday, 12th July 2024, to the Bo District Council Chairman, Victor Korseh Hindowa, at his Administrative Office in Falaba Section, Bo. Accompanying Chairman Kapuwa was his Executive Secretary, Mr. Khalil Kallon, along with Commissioners and staff from the Southern Region. During the visit, Mr. Khalil Kallon discussed the purpose of their visit, which was to formally introduce the IMC Chairman to the District Council Chairman, create familiarity, and provide an opportunity for Chairman Kapuwa to share his vision and aspirations for the commission. In his address to the Bo District Council Chairman, Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq emphasized his commitment to meeting with various stakeholders across the country to build relationships. He also highlighted the commission's activities and its role in registering and regulating media institutions. Chairman Ka...
Post a Comment
Read more

Makeni Medical Mission Brings Hope and Healing to Bombali District

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Residents of the Asker Amputee Camp in Makeni City, including various war victims, are rejoicing over the inauguration of the Makeni Medical Mission health facility, established by philanthropist, author, and pastor Mr. Bambay Sawaneh, alongside his partners in the United States. This newly launched medical facility, comprising 11 treatment rooms, was developed with the support of Southeastern Medical International (SMI) and the Concord Christian Church. Their mission is to deliver compassionate healthcare and a range of medical services to the people of Bombali District and surrounding areas, with a particular focus on war victims and vulnerable families living in the Asker Amputee Camp at Robureh. At the official opening ceremony in Makeni city, a team of 10 medical missionaries from Southeastern Medical International, including Sheila Yates, a seasoned medical missionary with two decades of experience in the US, provided free medical care to 100 individuals,...
Post a Comment
Read more

Yoni Chiefdom Crowns Journalist Richmond Tholley as Ceremonial Chief

By Azrat Umar Saidu Turay The ceremony which took place on Sunday, May 26th, 2025, at Yoni Bana Town within Tonkolili district brought brought together eminent personality across the Northern -East parts of Serra Leone. The event was attended by dignitaries, community leaders, family members, and well-wishers, all gathered to witness this significant moment in the history of the Yoni Chiefdom. The ceremony began with traditional rituals, including the presentation of gifts and offerings to the ancestors, symbolizing respect for the rich heritage and customs of the Yoni people.  Elders from the chiefdom, adorned in traditional attire, played a pivotal role in the proceedings, blessing Tholley and imparting wisdom as he embarks on this new journey. Richmond B. Tholley, known for his dedication to journalism and community service, expressed deep gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him.  In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the importance of unity, cultural preservation, and developm...
Post a Comment
Read more