COFA Sanctions Officials and Players Over Abandoned Semi-Final Match

COFA Sanctions Officials and Players Over Abandoned Semi-Final Match

The Disciplinary Committee of the Central One Football Association (COFA) has concluded its investigation into the abandoned semi-final match between Mountain City FC and Portuguese Town FC, which was disrupted during a penalty shootout.

In a statement released following its deliberations, the Committee outlined a series of incidents that led to the abandonment of the match and issued sanctions against individuals and clubs involved.

According to the Committee’s findings, the incident occurred during the penalty shootout as the fourth kick was about to be taken. The captain of Portuguese Town FC, Gershon Kpundeh (Jersey No. 19), interfered with play by removing a handkerchief belonging to the Mountain City FC goalkeeper.

This action sparked a confrontation on the field.

The situation escalated when the Secretary General of Mountain City FC, Ibrahim Alpha Kamara, physically assaulted Kpundeh by slapping him, causing the player to fall to the ground. The altercation heightened tensions between supporters of both teams, creating a hostile atmosphere at the venue.

The Committee further established that a Portuguese Town FC player, Mohammed A. Conteh (Jersey No. 7), unlawfully removed and took away an official match ball without authorization. As a result of these incidents, the penalty shootout could not be completed, and no winner was declared on the day.

In its ruling, the Disciplinary Committee determined that the abandonment of the match was directly caused by misconduct from officials and players of both teams, constituting a breach of Article 24.1 of the COFA Rules and Regulations.

Responsibility was apportioned accordingly, with Portuguese Town FC cited for the improper conduct of its team captain and the unauthorized removal of COFA property, while Mountain City FC was held accountable for the violent conduct of its Secretary General, which directly led to the termination of the match.

As part of the sanctions imposed, Ibrahim Alpha Kamara has been suspended with immediate effect and indefinitely from all COFA-related activities. Mountain City FC was also fined Le 5,000 (Five Thousand New Leones) for the misconduct of its official.

Gershon Kpundeh received a formal caution for unsporting interference during the penalty shootout, while Mohammed A. Conteh has been ordered to immediately return the official match ball. The Committee warned that failure to do so would result in Portuguese Town FC reimbursing COFA the assessed value of the ball and could attract additional sanctions.

Both teams were further cautioned to desist from all forms of violent or unsporting conduct in future competitions.

Meanwhile, COFA has directed that the abandoned penalty shootout be resumed and completed on 27 December 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Parade Grounds. The continuation of the shootout will be conducted behind closed doors, with no spectators allowed.