17/08/2026
CUEI-BET COUNTY FOOTBALL TEAM APPEALS ON THE BCT VERDICTS.
TO: The Standing Committee on Technical Affairs
BHAR EL GHAZAL COUNTIES’ TOURNAMENT (BCT)
DATE: 17 August 2026
SUBJECT: FORMAL APPEAL AGAINST THE DISQUALIFICATION OF CUEI-BET COUNTY FOOTBALL TEAM
Dear Members of the Standing Committee,
The Management of Cueibet County Football Team respectfully submits this formal appeal against the decision communicated in your letter dated 17 August 2026, disqualifying Cueibet County from the Bhar El Ghazal Counties’ Tournament 2nd Edition 2026.
We acknowledge and strongly condemn the unfortunate violence that occurred following our match against Twic County on 16 August 2026 at Munuki Playground. Cueibet County Football Team does not condone violence, the use of dangerous weapons, destruction of property, or any conduct that threatens the safety of players, supporters, officials, or members of the public.
However, we respectfully disagree with the imposition of the most severe sporting sanction—disqualification of the entire team—and hereby request a review of the decision on the following grounds:
1. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AFTER THE FINAL WHISTLE
The BCT decision itself states that the violence and disorder occurred after the central referee had blown the final whistle and the match had concluded.
Accordingly, we respectfully request that the Committee distinguish between incidents occurring during the match and conduct that allegedly occurred after the official conclusion of the match.
We further request clarification on how Article 16 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code applies to the specific circumstances of this incident and how it provides the legal basis for disqualification from the BCT tournament.
2. INDIVIDUAL ACTS SHOULD NOT AUTOMATICALLY BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE ENTIRE TEAM
The BCT decision refers to “some fans of Cuei-bet County football team.”
We respectfully submit that the actions of individual supporters should not automatically be treated as acts committed by the entire football team, its players, coaches, or management.
Neither the Cueibet players nor the official team management instructed, authorized, encouraged, or participated in the alleged violence. On the contrary, during the disorder, Cueibet players and members of the management were present and attempted to calm the situation and prevent further escalation.
3. CUEIBET COUNTY DOES NOT DEFEND OR JUSTIFY VIOLENCE
Our position is unequivocal: violence and the use of dangerous weapons are unacceptable and cannot be justified by any disagreement arising from a football match.
If specific individuals are established to have committed criminal or disciplinary offences, we respectfully believe that those individuals should be identified and held accountable based on evidence and individual responsibility, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
4. THE CIRCUMSTANCES PRECEDING THE INCIDENT SHOULD BE REVIEWED OBJECTIVELY
We respectfully request an impartial review of the circumstances immediately preceding the incident, including concerns raised by supporters regarding the conduct and decisions of the match officials.
This submission is not intended to justify the subsequent violence. No disagreement with a referee’s decision can justify violence.
However, a complete review should establish objectively what occurred before, during, and after the final whistle, rather than considering only the consequences of the incident.
5. REQUEST FOR THE LEGAL BASIS OF THE DISQUALIFICATION
The BCT decision states:
“Cue-bet County football team is disqualified from Bhar El Ghazal Counties’ Tournament 2nd Edition in accordance with Art. 16 of FIFA Disciplinary Code.”
We respectfully request the Committee to provide:
* The exact edition of the FIFA Disciplinary Code relied upon;
* The exact wording of Article 16 applied in this matter;
* The specific provision of Article 16 that authorizes disqualification from the BCT tournament;
* The applicable BCT competition rule establishing that disqualification is mandatory or justified under these circumstances; and
* The evidence establishing official responsibility of Cueibet County Football Team, as distinguished from the actions of individual supporters.
This request is made not to avoid accountability, but to ensure due process, legal clarity, fairness, and consistent application of the tournament regulations.
6. REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION AND PROPORTIONALITY
We respectfully ask the Committee to consider that:
• The match had already concluded when the violence occurred;
• The BCT decision attributes the acts to some individual fans;
• Cueibet players and management did not organize, authorize, or encourage the violence;
• Cueibet players and management attempted to calm the situation;
• Cueibet County does not condone violence or the use of dangerous weapons; and
• Disqualification has a serious and collective impact on players, management, and the wider Cueibet County football community.
In light of these circumstances, we respectfully appeal for the withdrawal of the disqualification.
Should the Committee determine that disciplinary action is necessary, we respectfully request that a proportionate alternative sanction be considered, while individuals proven to have committed acts of violence are dealt with individually under the applicable rules and laws.
CONCLUSION
Cueibet County Football Team respects the BCT, its officials, participating counties, and the principles of fair play. We equally recognize the responsibility of tournament organizers to ensure the safety and security of players, officials, supporters, and the public.
This appeal is therefore not an attempt to defend misconduct. It is an appeal for fairness, due process, individual accountability, proportionality, and the proper application of the applicable regulations.
We respectfully request the Standing Committee on Technical Affairs to review the decision, provide the specific legal basis for the disqualification, and reconsider the sanction imposed upon Cueibet County Football Team.
We remain committed to peace, discipline, sportsmanship, fair play, and the successful continuation of the Bhar El Ghazal Counties’ Tournament.
Respectfully submitted,
Cueibet County Football Team Management
