Match-fixing investigation: Two domestic matches in Sierra Leone are under investigation

Sierra Leone’s domestic football is currently in the world news but there is no positive news at this moment. The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) is officially investigating two recent 1st-Division matches in the fear of match-fixing that experienced a total of 187 goals.

These controversial incidents happened during the two games of the Eastern Regional Super 10 League. The two controversial matches were Gulf FC vs Koquima Lebanon and Lumbebu United vs Kahunla Rangers.

Gulf FC vs Koquima Lebanon 91-1; Lumbebu United vs Kahunla Rangers 0-95

Gulf FC vs Koquima Lebanon had the results of 91-1 at the end of the 90 minutes. Meanwhile, Lumbebu United vs Kahunla Rangers had a scoreline of 0-95 in 90 minutes.   

There is no shocker in SLFA’s decision to investigate those games after understanding the scorelines as SLFA felt those results as impractical.

Those crucial matches were reportedly running simultaneously. Moreover, some media reports suggested that the half-time scorelines of both matches were completely different. ZPOR, a media and news company, claimed that Gulf FC vs Koquima Lebanon had the half-time scoreline of 7-1 while Lumbebu United vs Kahunla Rangers had the half-time scoreline of 0-2.

According to the report of Corriere dello Sport, a referee of those matches even felt unhappy and left the pitch as the assistant referee had to continue the game.

SLFA seriously concern about match-fixing; calls for investigation

The SLFA immediately cancelled those matches as the scorelines were not approved. These matches are now under serious investigation for match-fixing.

In the press release, SLFA has also clarified that the following are of interest in the investigations of those matches:

1. Eastern Regional Football Association (ERFA)
2. All officials designated to officiate both matches (Gulf FC vs Koquima Lebanon and Lumbebu United vs Kahunla Rangers)  
3. Players and officials of Gulf FC, Koquima Lebanon, Lumbebu United and Kahunla Rangers

The SLFA has clarified in their press release, “In compliance with FIFA and CFA rules against match manipulation or anything of sort, SLFA maintains a zero tolerance in same.”