Co-owner of Southern Region division-1 club Edmond Michael Foundation, Rodney Michael has described the decision by the Eastern Region Football Association and Sierra Leone Football Association to allow the involvement of implicated match-fixing club in the upcoming playoff as one that will dent the credibility of the playoffs and football.
On July 5, 2022, The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) announced that an investigation will be conducted to into two matches that ended with 95-0 and 91-1 scores.
A remarkable haul of 187 goals was recorded across a couple of second tier fixtures involving Kenema-based Kahunla Rangers and Kono outfit Gulf FC.
The SLFA is aware of serious match manipulation concerns, leaving them with little choice but to delve deeper into proceedings.
Organisation president Thomas Daddy Brima has told BBC Sports Africa: “We can’t stand by and see an embarrassing situation like this go unpunished. We’re going to launch an immediate investigation and bring to book all those responsible for this mediocrity.”
“All those found guilty will be dealt with in accordance with the SLFA laws, and will also be handed over to the country’s anti-corruption commission.”
Without any investigation into the match-fixing scandal, the matches were replayed past Sunday and Gulf FC of Kono district was declared qualifiers to the Premier League playoff after defeating Koquima Lebanon 3 – 0.
“Whilst I hold nothing against these clubs, the fact remains their involvement in the competition will dent the credibility of the play offs and our football as a whole,” he stated.
“There should have been a conclusive report after a thorough investigation to protect the integrity of the game, even if the FA and/or region wanted to do a cover up.As it is we have mortgaged the integrity of the tournament and our football to appease.”