Essau, North Bank Region—October 9, 2024
In a formal response to the Essau Youth Sports and Development Association (EYSDA), Rahman FC have strongly contested the indefinite ban and D25,000 fine imposed on the club following allegations of post-match violence during their 1-1 draw against Quarreh FC on September 28, 2024. The club, accused of misconduct involving players, officials, and fans, submitted a comprehensive appeal, arguing that the sanctions represent an overreach of the association’s disciplinary authority and asserting that the decision fails to adhere to the provisions outlined in the EYSDA’s constitution.
Rahman FC acknowledged receiving the EYSDA’s letter dated October 3, 2024, condemning acts of violence and indiscipline but emphasized their right to a fair and transparent hearing, which they argue was denied. The club’s management expressed concern over the sweeping nature of the sanctions, particularly the indefinite ban on the entire team, and questioned the appropriateness of the penalties. They contended that such broad measures exceed the disciplinary framework established by the association’s constitution.
#Constitutionality of Sanctions
Central to Rahman FC’s defense is a detailed reference to Article 12 of the association’s constitution, which governs disciplinary actions and match suspensions. According to the club’s appeal, the penalties outlined in the letter from the EYSDA exceed those stipulated by the constitution.
Rahman FC specifically cited Subsection B, which provides for fines and suspension of individual players or officials guilty of misconduct. They noted that the maximum penalty stipulated is a four-match suspension or a fine of up to 2,000 dalasi, far less than the indefinite ban imposed on the entire team. The club argued that holding the whole team accountable for the actions of a few individuals, including some who were not involved in the match, represented an excessive and unjust measure.
Similarly, the club referenced Subsection D, which caps fines for fan-related misconduct at 3,000 dalasi or a one-season suspension. The indefinite ban imposed by the association was, according to Rahman FC, an overreach and inconsistent with the constitution’s prescribed limits.
#Lack of Due Process
Rahman FC also expressed frustration over the lack of due process in the disciplinary proceedings, pointing out that they were not given the opportunity to present their defense before the ruling. While the club had submitted an apology letter to the EYSDA, they clarified that this gesture should not be interpreted as an admission of guilt for all the allegations.
In their formal response, the club argued that much of the violence, including the stoning of security personnel, was initiated by Quarreh FC supporters, and that any involvement by Rahman FC supporters occurred independently of the team’s influence—‘the team’s management had no direct influence over their behavior.’
Moreover, the club questioned the association’s claims regarding the damage to a vehicle, suggesting that the accusations were either exaggerated or unsupported by concrete evidence, particularly given the positioning of the car. The club called for greater scrutiny of these allegations to ensure a fair and transparent investigation.
#Disputed Allegations
Rahman FC strongly disputed several specific allegations made by the association, including claims that their supporters broke the window of a vehicle and tore the goal net. The club argued that the broken corner flag, which was labeled as an act of vandalism in the association’s report, was in fact the result of an exuberant goal celebration rather than intentional damage. Additionally, the club denied responsibility for the vehicle damage, questioning the validity of the claim given the car’s location during the incident, and suggesting that the accusations lacked credible supporting evidence.
One of the most contentious accusations involved Rahman FC player Sulayman Jallow, who was detained by the police for allegedly tearing the goal net. The club stated that Jallow’s name did not appear in the match commissioner’s report and that his detention was based on unsubstantiated rumors rather than concrete evidence.
Additionally, Rahman FC addressed a voice message attributed to player Samba Gaye, which reportedly implicated him in injuring the match referee. The club clarified that the message had been misinterpreted, and the referee’s injury—a minor laceration—occurred during a chaotic moment where the actual cause of the injury could not be definitively determined.
#Appeal for Fairness & Youth Development
Beyond the specifics of the disciplinary process, Rahman FC’s appeal underscored broader concerns about the long-term impact of the ban on young players’ futures. The club argued that an indefinite suspension could drive affected players toward detrimental paths such as drug abuse or illegal migration—referred to as “back-way” in local parlance. The club urged the association to adopt corrective, rather than punitive, sanctions, emphasizing the need to nurture youth development and prevent the sanctions from derailing the positive role sports play in the community.
#A Call for Review
In its formal request, Rahman FC requested a review of the association’s decision, advocating for individual sanctions where appropriate and a reduction of the fine in accordance with the constitution’s disciplinary measures. The club also urged the EYSDA to reconsider the involvement of its players and officials based on verified evidence rather than hearsay, and to provide concrete justification for any further penalties.
The club reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the values of sportsmanship and working constructively with the association to resolve the matter. “We remain committed to promoting sportsmanship and complying with all rules and regulations of the association,” the letter concluded, calling for a resolution that honors both the spirit of football and the principles of fairness.
The EYSDA has yet to publicly respond to Rahman FC’s appeal, leaving the future of the club’s participation in Essau Nawettan League uncertain as tensions surrounding the case continue to simmer.
Below is the response letter from Rahman FC in response to the ruling issued by the Essau Youth Sports & Development Association (EYSDA).
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