Gunjur Zone has formally written to the Executive Director of the National Sports Council (NSC), calling for urgent intervention in what they describe as a clear breach of constitutional and disciplinary procedures in the West Coast Region Committee Zonal Football Championship.

The appeal, dated November 19, 2025, stems from the chaotic zonal match between Gunjur and Sanyang, which was abandoned following repeated pitch invasions by Sanyang supporters, according to the protest.

According to Gunjur Zone, the Organising Committee (OC) failed to impose the appropriate sanctions or apply the constitutional provisions governing such misconduct.

The matter was subsequently taken to the Appeals and Disciplinary Committee (ADC), the body constitutionally mandated to serve as the final arbiter in Zonal disputes as per the petition.

The ADC overturned most of the OC’s decisions a ruling Gunjur argues aligns with Article 17.2 of the WCRZC Constitution and Article 17 of the Competition Rules, both of which clearly outline the independence and finality of ADC decisions.

However, Gunjur Zone now alleges that the West Coast Sports Committee intervened after receiving a protest from Sanyang.

This intervention, they insist, violates established judicial hierarchy and undermines the authority of the ADC, a committee jointly established by the West Coast Region Zonal Committee, West Coast Region Football Association (WCRFA) and the West Coast Region Sports Committee (WCRSC) Gunjur argues.

“It is a core principle of the rule of law that you cannot reverse or overrule the decisions of a judicial body you established,” the letter emphasised.

Gunjur further argues that the West Coast Sports Committee, having delegated its football matters to the WCRFA, lacks the jurisdiction and subcommittees needed to adjudicate appeals of this nature.

Gunjur also referenced Article 15.1 of the Competition Rules, stating that Sanyang should have been handed a 3-point deduction for the repeated pitch invasions or, at a minimum, ordered to play at a secure neutral venue.

The protracted dispute, according to the Gunjur’s petition, has already heightened tensions between the two neighbouring communities, with social media exchanges escalating hostility and raising fears of potential conflict.

The zone is now appealing to the NSC to intervene swiftly and ensure that due process, fairness and constitutional order are upheld before the situation deteriorates further.

By Ebrima KB Sonko