FREETOWN – Mount Aureol SLIFA FC has taken its fight against relegation to the world’s highest sports court.
The Kingtom-based club announced on Tuesday that it has filed a formal case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, against the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) and Bullom Stars FC over what it describes as its unjust and unlawful removal from the Sierra Leone Premier League.
The action was contained in a press release issued today from SLIFA’s Secretariat at 10 Hennessy Street, Kingtom, signed by Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Gordon Esq.
SLIFA said the move followed “extensive behind-the-scenes engagements” which failed to resolve the long-running dispute.
According to the club, the dispute stems from a contested fixture involving Bullom Stars. While the SLFA Appeals Board had previously recommended a replay, the Premier League Board later confirmed Bullom Stars among the 16 teams for the new season, leaving SLIFA out.
SLIFA says that decision was unfair and breached due process.
In its filing at CAS, the club is asking for:
1. A provisional interim order for its immediate inclusion in the 2026/27 Sierra Leone Premier League; and
2. An order suspending the ongoing Premier League until the matter is heard and determined.
“This step has been taken to protect the legitimate rights of the Club and to uphold fairness, equity, and respect for due process in our football,” the club stated.
The club added that it has full confidence in the judicial process and appealed to its supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that the matter is now sub judice.
If CAS grants the interim orders, the ongoing Premier League season could be halted.
The SLFA and Bullom Stars FC are yet to publicly respond to the filing.
