The Referees Committee of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has suspended referee Shekita Deen Conteh following a review of a controversial match incident during a recent league fixture.

According to a press release issued by the committee, the decision was reached after a thorough examination of the match report and available video footage relating to the incident.

The incident occurred during a league match between Luawa FC and Wilberforce Strikers FC, played on 28th February 2026 at the Approved School Mini Stadium.

Following its review, the committee determined that referee Shekita Deen Conteh made an incorrect decision by awarding a penalty in favour of Wilberforce Strikers FC during the match.

According to the committee’s findings, the defender’s hand was in a natural position and there was no additional movement that made the body unnaturally bigger. As such, the decision to award a penalty was deemed inconsistent with the Laws of the Game.

Based on this conclusion, the Referees Committee announced that the referee has been suspended for three months with immediate effect.

In addition to the suspension, Conteh has also been directed to attend a mandatory refresher course during the suspension period as part of the association’s efforts to improve officiating standards.

The SLFA Referees Committee reiterated its commitment to maintaining the integrity of officiating, ensuring strict adherence to the Laws of the Game, and promoting the continuous improvement of refereeing standards across football competitions in Sierra Leone.