CAS Case Knocks at SLFA as Mogbwemo Queens Seek Justice

By Nenneh Fofanah

Freetown, 7^th April 2026- The battle for justice in Sierra Leone’s women’s football has taken an international turn, as Mogbwemo Queens FC officially filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, challenging a ruling by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA).

On March 31, the club announced in a press release titled “Mogbwemo Queens Files Official Appeal with CAS” that it had registered its case under CAS number CAS2026/A/12310, marking what it described as a significant step in its pursuit of fairness and adherence to due process.

The dispute stems from a protest lodged by Mogbwemo Queens against Ram Kamara FC, alleging that player Fematu Bangura (No.18 jersey) is the same individual as Foulemata Bangoura, who holds dual citizenship. The Queens argued that no International Transfer Certificate (ITC) was issued by either the Senegalese or Gambian football federations, thereby breaching FIFA transfer regulations and Women’s Premier League eligibility rules.

The club further claimed that Ram Kamara FC fielded more than the permitted four foreign players in a match, submitting evidence including ID cards, ITC documents, and payment receipts.

However, the Marampa Mines Women’s Premier League Disciplinary Committee dismissed the protest, ruling that Mogbwemo Queens had failed to prove the player was registered with Senegal or Gambia. The committee’s decision, delivered on March 22, denied the club a refund of its protest fee.

In response, Mogbwemo Queens issued a strongly worded statement titled “Mogbwemo Queens FC Slams Deeply Flawed Ruling”, accusing the committee of systemic failure and warning that the decision sets a “dangerous precedent” for women’s football in Sierra Leone. The club argued that ignoring credible evidence undermines competitive fairness, discourages investment, and risks international embarrassment for Sierra Leone football.

Determined not to let the matter rest, Mogbwemo Queens confirmed it had completed CAS e-filing procedures and is preparing full pleadings under CAS Code Article R31. The club insists the case is not about paperwork but about whether football rules “still mean anything.”

As the case moves to CAS, all eyes are on how the international tribunal will weigh the evidence and rule on a dispute that could reshape governance and accountability in Sierra Leone’s women’s football.