The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Emergency Disciplinary Committee has ruled in favour of Waterloo Football Club following the abandonment of the National First Division Play-Off semi-final against Marampa Stars FC, confirming Waterloo FC’s promotion to the Leone Rock Premier League.
The highly anticipated fixture, played on 16 July 2026 at the Port Loko Playing Field, was abandoned after serious crowd disturbances, violence against match officials, and misconduct involving Marampa Stars players, officials, and supporters.
According to the Committee’s findings, the trouble began in the 42nd minute when Assistant Referee Alusine Conteh flagged for an offside offence. The decision sparked a violent reaction from sections of the Marampa Stars supporters, who reportedly threw stones, water sachets, bottles, and other objects at match officials and security personnel.
The situation deteriorated further at halftime when Marampa Stars player Osman Mayeni Kamara allegedly assaulted Referee Mohamed Buzin Koroma and directed abusive language towards him, resulting in an immediate red card. The Committee also found that several Marampa Stars officials unlawfully entered the field and confronted match officials, contributing to the disorder.
In its ruling, the Committee concluded that the actions of Marampa Stars supporters, player, and officials directly caused the abandonment of the match, making it impossible for play to continue.
As a result, Marampa Stars FC was deemed to have forfeited the match, with Waterloo FC awarded three points and two goals, securing their promotion and a place in the National First Division Play-Off final against Western United.
The Committee handed down several disciplinary measures, including:
NLe 10,000 fine against Marampa Stars FC for causing the abandonment of the match.
Osman Mayeni Kamara suspended from all football-related activities for two months and fined NLe 2,000 for assaulting a match official.
An additional two-match suspension and NLe 1,000 fine for abusive language towards the referee.
Four Marampa Stars officials, including the Head Coach, CEO, Manager, and Medical Officer, received suspensions and fines for misconduct, interference with the match, and inciting violence.
The club was also fined an additional NLe 5,000 and held responsible for any verified damage caused by its supporters.
The Committee emphasised that football cannot thrive in an environment where referees and match officials are threatened, assaulted, or intimidated for applying the Laws of the Game. It reaffirmed the principle that clubs bear responsibility for the conduct of their supporters and officials.
Importantly, the ruling is final and not subject to appeal, in accordance with Rule 19 of the National First Division Play-Off Rules and Regulations 2025/2026.
The decision brings an end to one of the most controversial matches of the season and reinforces the SLFA’s commitment to protecting match officials and preserving discipline within Sierra Leone football.