The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) has not cited any specific provision of its statutes or disciplinary code in imposing three year suspensions on 19 players and seven technical officials of Greater Tomorrow Women’s FC, raising questions over the legal basis of the sweeping sanctions.

In a letter dated February 12, 2026, addressed to the club, the Federation’s Organising Committee announced the bans after holding the individuals responsible for the club’s withdrawal from the 2025/26 Women’s Division One League season, a development it said brought the competition into disrepute.

The GFF stated that, following a review of match reports and the club’s failure to honour scheduled fixtures, its investigation established that certain players and members of the technical staff refused to report for training and declined to play official matches as instructed by management.

“The subsequent boycott of scheduled National League matches was regrettable and wholly unacceptable,” the letter stated, adding that the Committee concluded the actions amounted to “holding the club and GFF competition into ransom,” which it condemned as contrary to football discipline.

However, the correspondence does not reference any specific article of the GFF statutes, regulations or disciplinary code underpinning the three year blanket ban, a point that could become central should the affected parties seek redress or clarification.

Among those suspended is Wuday Colley, an Under 20 and Senior Women’s National Team player, a decision that could have implications beyond club football.

The sanctions bar all affected individuals from participating in any organised GFF activities for three years.

Greater Tomorrow Women’s FC’s withdrawal had disrupted fixtures in the Women’s Division One League, sparking debate over governance, player welfare and dispute resolution mechanisms within women’s football.

By Ebrima KB Sonko