The ongoing Sierra Leone Female Premier League has been marred by a series of disturbing incidents involving violent attacks on female match officials, prompting swift condemnation from the National Sports Authority (NSA) and other concerned entities.
In a recent statement, the NSA expressed serious concern over the reprehensible behavior exhibited by some sports officials, fans, and supporters towards female referees officiating matches in the league. These attacks not only violate the principles of fair play and sportsmanship but also pose a significant threat to the safety and well-being of women and girls participating in sports.
The NSA, alongside the Ministry of Sports and passionate sports enthusiasts, decries these acts of violence, emphasizing that they have the potential to undermine the progress of female participation in the game and hinder the realization of their full potential.
Following a violent incident involving a female referee during the match between FC Kallon and Mogbowoma Queens, the NSA called upon the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) to conduct a thorough investigation and take decisive action against the perpetrators. However, the recent attack on Florance Yatta Lebbie, another female referee, during the match between Patricia Umu FC and the Sierra Leone Police Force in Kambia, has further highlighted the urgency of addressing this issue.
The NSA urges the SLFA to expedite its investigation into these incidents and implement stringent measures to hold accountable those responsible for the assaults. Furthermore, the NSA and the Ministry of Sports, in collaboration with the SLFA, are committed to formulating policies aimed at preventing such violent attacks on match officials across all venues in the country.
Meanwhile, the Female Premier League Board has also expressed its dismay over the events that transpired during the recent match in Kambia, condemning the violence against women and emphasizing that such unsportsmanlike behavior undermines the integrity and ethos of the league.
As efforts continue to ensure the safety and dignity of all participants in the Sierra Leone Female Premier League, stakeholders remain steadfast in their commitment to fostering an environment of respect, equality, and fair play within the realm of sports.
