By Alieu Ceesay
Queens of Koita FC, a spirited third-division women’s football club from Kudang, has publicly criticized the Central River Region (CRR) Football Association, alleging malpractice, favoritism, and political divisions in regional tournaments. The club’s grievances center on the controversial inclusion of non-regional teams in local competitions and a recent ruling that stripped them of a hard-earned victory, raising questions about fairness and transparency in CRR football governance.
The controversy erupted following a qualifier match on May 31, 2025, where Queens of Koita FC secured a gritty win, showcasing their skill and determination. However, their triumph was short-lived. Sallah’s FC, a rival third-division club, lodged a formal protest, accusing Queens of Koita of fielding three ineligible players—identified by jersey numbers 17, 16, and 13—who were allegedly registered as first-division players with a team called Koita Scorpions FC. Sallah’s FC claimed that this breached CRR Third Division rules, which prohibit higher-division players from participating in lower-tier qualifiers.
“It has come to our attention that players wearing jersey numbers 17, 16, and 13 are currently registered and actively participating as first-division players for Koita Scorpions FC,” Sallah’s FC stated in their protest letter. The accusation, however, lacked specific player names, creating ambiguity and fueling speculation about the protest’s intent.
Queens of Koita FC swiftly denied the allegations, labeling them baseless and an attempt to tarnish their success. Adding to the confusion, a review of the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) records for the 2024-2025 season found no evidence of a team named Koita Scorpions in either the First or Second Division of the women’s league. This discrepancy has led Queens of Koita to question the motives behind Sallah FC’s protest, with some suggesting it may stem from competitive rivalry or external influences.
On June 13, 2025, the CRR Football Association issued a ruling following an investigation. The association confirmed that one player, Stephanie Onyenai, had competed in the national league the previous season but lacked official GFF clearance as a free agent eligible to join Queens of Koita FC. Citing violating the “Player Movement Act,” the association declared: “The points and goals are forfeited, and the win is awarded to Sallah’s FC with immediate effect.” The decision handed Sallah’s FC the victory, nullifying Queens of Koita’s efforts on the pitch.
The ruling has sparked outrage within the Queens of Koita camp, with the club now rallying for greater accountability from the CRR Football Association. Lamin Koita, a club representative, passionately called for the Competitions Committee to reconsider the decision. “We seek a fair ruling that prioritizes integrity in our sport,” Koita said, emphasizing the need for transparent governance to ensure a level playing field for all teams.
The controversy has also reignited broader concerns about the CRR Football Association’s management of local tournaments. Queens of Koita has long voiced unease about including clubs from outside the region, which they argue undermines the spirit of local competition. The club’s supporters and players alike fear that such practices, combined with questionable rulings, erode trust in the association’s commitment to fair play.
As the dust settles, this saga underscores the critical need for clear communication and consistent rule enforcement in CRR football. The integrity of the sport in the region depends on the collective efforts of clubs, players, and administrators to uphold fairness and transparency. For Queens of Koita FC, the fight is about reclaiming a forfeited victory and ensuring that the competitive spirit of women’s football thrives in an environment free from bias and division. The CRR Football Association now faces mounting pressure to address these concerns and restore confidence in its governance.
