Nimba County’s striker Daniel Tuazama who equalized in their encounter with Montserrado in their 2-2 draw
Group II’s second runners-up, Sinoe County; have lost two separate protests against River Cess and Montserrado counties for fielding “illegal players.”
On Sunday, following their 0-0 draw, Sinoe complained that River Cess violated the Rules and Regulations of the 2016/2017 National County Sports Meet by fielding four 2nd division players.
They included Malik Keita, James Kollie, Sylvester Koffa and Ansu Johnson. The head of delegation and protest committee chairman, J. Bryant McGill told the Daily Observer that the four players, as alleged by Sinoe aren’t currently 2nd division players, but rather former 2nd division players who are currently plying their trades in the 3rd division.
“Article 14:8 says absolutely no former or current registered player of 1st division shall be permitted to participate in the National County Sports Meet,” Mr. McGill said. “14:9 says only three players from the 2nd division, and two from the same club, and any of the 2nd division players must not have played in any premier or 1st division league.”
He added: “Unlimited numbers of 3rd division football players are allowed or eligible to play and the rule is only silent on being a former 2nd division player, but not former premier or 1st division player.”
On Wednesday, Sinoe County also protested against Emmanuel Quainah of Montserrado County, and petitioned the Protest Committee for a replay.
Sinoe County said Quainah was one of five players suspended during the 2015/2016 National County Sports Meet for assaulting a referee, I the game between Sinoe and Grand Bassa in Buchanan.
The Protest Committee Chairman Bryant gave Sinoe County Thursday, 12pm to produce “further evidence.”
A letter in the possession of the Daily Observer, under the signature of N. McCauley Paykue, Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Youth and Sports that Sinoe used as evidence, states that the five players and officials have been suspended from the 2015 /2016 County Sports Meet and fined US$1,500.
When contacted Deputy Sports Minister and Chairman of the County Sports Meet, Henry B. Yonton, Jr. said since their suspension and fine no further action was taken. “And this year’s County Sport Meet is held under the theme promoting peace and national unity thru sports.”
Meanwhile, Grand Cape Mount County became the first side to qualify for the second group stage after demolishing Gbarpolu County 3-0 in a Group IV match at the Robertsports Sports Stadium. Grand Cape Mount had a two-goal lead at half-time. They now have 6 points.
In the other Group IV match, Grand Bassa defeated Bomi 1-0 to climb to second place with 4 points while Bomi were eliminated.
In the only Group I match in Voinjama, Margibi and Bong played to a 0-0 draw. With the result, Margibi are currently first on the table with 2 points from their two matches while Bong and Lofa are tied at 1 point, respectively. Any of those three teams still have a chance to qualify.
In Group II matches at the Sanniquellie Sports Stadium, Nimba defeated River Cess 2-0 to move on top of Group II table. Nimba County moved in first place at 4 points from two matches. In the other Group II match, Montserrado and Sinoe played to a 0-0 draw.
In Group III, Grand Gedeh were eliminated after their 0-1 loss to Maryland at the Harper Sports Stadium.