The Standard can confirm that following their arrest by police from the major crime unit, the president of the suspended Gambia Football Federation (GFF) Mustapha Kebbeh; vice presidents Buba Janneh, Kebba Touray and Basirou Bajo, technical director Ebrima Manneh, secretary general Abass Bah, co-opted executive member Borry Daboe, co-opted executive member and head of referees association Lamin Camara, National Sports Council (NSC) executive director Abdul Aziz Titao Mendy and his deputy Marcel Mendy were charged but are yet to be arraigned.
Their arrests followed the suspension of four executive members of GFF by the NSC on Wednesday following the expiry of the ultimatum from the council for the resignation of two vice presidents and the sacking of three staff members.
The ultimatum was challenged by the GFF who argued that proper investigations should have been conducted prior to the swinging of any axe.
The GFF also argued that its executive members could only be removed by a congress of two-thirds majority. However, when they convened a meeting at Football House, Kanifing, Thursday evening, some of those very delegates representing clubs and regions vociferously expressed opposition to the suspension of the GFF members.
Sports Minister Alieu Jammeh defended the suspensions pending rectifications, arguing that the country’s image has been tarnished by the suspension for the country from all international competitions because of age-cheating.
It is not clear when the officials would appear in court or whether they will be granted bail today.
Meanwhile, as we were about to go to press, Baboucarr Jobe also known as Pa Sulay, administrative secretary at GFF, was said to have joined his bosses at the police headquarters in Banjul.
By Lamin Cham
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