The Organising Committee (OC) of the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) has thrown out a protest lodged by Ali Sowe Football Club, which claimed that Sibanor United fielded ineligible players during their second division promotion playoff last week.

Ali Sowe FC had argued that four players Omar Nyassi, Alagie Modou Jarju, Ousman Camara, and Modou Lamin Jarju were not eligible to represent Sibanor United in the crucial encounter.

However, after a thorough review during its latest meeting this week, the OC ruled that the issue stemmed from an administrative error by the West Coast Regional Football Association (WCRFA). The error led to the quartet’s omission from the initial master list, but they were later included in a corrected version.

“The Committee carefully examined both master lists and multiple match forms from the WRC third division league and found that the players in question are fully registered members of Sibanor United,” the GFF said in a statement. “Therefore, the protest filed by Ali Sowe FC is dismissed, declared null and void, and Sibanor United’s promotion to the second division stands.”

The decision brings an end to days of uncertainty for Sibanor United, who can now look forward to competing in the second tier next season.

By Ebrima KB Sonko