FREETOWN – In what can only be described as a masterclass in self-sabotage, Kroo Town Road has managed to spectacularly boot themselves out of the COFA Inter-Community Champions League by fielding a player so ineligible, it’s a wonder he didn’t show up wearing a WAFA “Do Not Play” badge.
The Central One Football Association (COFA) threw the book at Kroo Town Road after the team’s genius decision to let suspended player Abubakarr Turay take the field in their Round of 16 match against Soja Town. This dazzling display of rule ignorance came despite the fact that Turay had been suspended by the Western Area Football Association (WAFA) back in July. Because, apparently, rules are more of a suggestion in the Kroo Town camp.
Predictably, Soja Town, who lost the game 2-0, was less than impressed by this creative approach to roster management. They lodged a protest faster than Kroo Town Road could say, “We didn’t know!” And lo and behold, after a quick investigation, COFA confirmed that yes, when WAFA suspends someone, that does, in fact, mean they can’t play in WAFA-affiliated competitions. Shocking, we know.
COFA’s Protest and Emergency Disciplinary Committee must have had a good chuckle as they consulted the rulebook — which apparently Kroo Town Road failed to do — and found that Turay was indeed banned from playing. The committee’s ruling was swift and to the point: “If you field a suspended player, you lose. Period.”
Soja Town has now been awarded the match points, meaning Kroo Town Road’s 2-0 victory is as real as a unicorn. Soja Town will head to the quarterfinals to face Aberdeen Community, and Kroo Town Road will head home to brush up on the concept of “suspension.”
In a statement that could only be described as “painfully obvious,” COFA reminded everyone that, yes, when a player is suspended by WAFA, they are also suspended in COFA competitions. Who would’ve guessed?
So, congratulations, Kroo Town Road, on turning victory into a spectacular defeat. Here’s hoping the next time they take the field, they at least glance at the rulebook.
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