Sierra Leone: Bans on 15 alleged match-fixers lifted

The Sierra Leone Ministry of Sport has lifted the suspensions of 15 players and officials who were alleged to have been involved in match-fixing.

The news was communicated by letter addressed to the secretary general of the Sierra Leone Football Association.

It said the decision was supported by the country's president and was taken "to solve the impasse in football".

Additionally, it stated that it was to ensure the 17-19 April SLFA congress is carried out successfully.

The SLFA has not commented on the development.

In July last year the SLFA and the Ministry of Sport said in a statement it had received "credible and tangible information" on the alleged involvement of the 15 in match-fixing.

Ex-Sierra Leone captain Ibrahim Kargbo (pictured), Ibrahim Koroma, Samuel Barlay and Christian Caulker were the players implicated, while referees and another eight officials, including Rodney Michael, were the others to have been suspended - all indefinitely.

The allegations relate to a World Cup qualifier against South Africa in 2008 which ended goalless.