Bena Basse Football Academy risk been disqualified from the Basse Subzone Nawetan semifinal following an investigation by the Regional Sports Committee, which found that the academy violated the tournament’s transfer regulations.
On September 24, 2024, Bena Basse faced Manju FC in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Basse Subzone Nawetan. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, and Bena Basse won 4-3 on penalties.
However, Manju FC contested the result, alleging that Bena Basse fielded an ineligible player, Jaliba Camara. They claimed that Jaliba had not received clearance from his former club, Kansala FC, to transfer to another team, violating the committee’s regulations.
Despite both the player and the former club signing the transfer form, questions arose about who authorised Camara’s move. Manju FC’s initial appeal was rejected by the Basse Subzone Committee for missing the required deadline. This led them to escalate the matter to the Regional Sports Committee, alleging “conspiracy” and document forgery.
On October 6, 2024, the Regional Sports Committee, which operates under the National Sports Council (NSC) and is responsible for regulating national sports associations in The Gambia, established a panel to investigate the claims. They subsequently halted the scheduled semifinal between Bena Basse and Layout United.
After nearly three weeks, the panel concluded its investigation and presented its findings. The investigation revealed that Bena Basse had forged Jaliba Camara’s transfer document, using the academy’s head coach, Dawda Jallow, to sign on behalf of Kansala FC without proper authorisation. Bena Basse admitted to this wrongdoing, according to the investigation.
As a result, the Regional Sports Committee recommended that Bena Basse Football Academy forfeit their quarterfinal victory to Manju FC. Additionally, the academy has been fined D10,000 for forgery and falsifying the transfer document.
Dawda Jallow, the head coach of Bena Basse, faces a suspension of at least six matches and an additional fine for his role in the forgery. Furthermore, the panel suggested that Kansala FC be fined for failing to report that Jaliba Camara was ineligible to play without their approval.
Meanwhile, when asked if they will implement these recommendations by the RSC, the Chairperson of the Basse Subzone Committee Bubacarr Manneh said, “No because their recommendations are like telling us what to do. We are coming up with the final decision.”
