Football admin assaulted during South Sudan Cup match in Maridi

MARIDI – A senior football official in Maridi County was brutally assaulted and left with serious injuries after tensions erupted during a South Sudan Cup match, local authorities confirmed on Tuesday.

The victim, Bennett Bazia, Secretary-General of the Maridi Football Sub-Association, was attacked by a group of players allegedly angered by a disciplinary decision involving one of their teammates.

According to Emmanuel Juma, Chairperson of the Maridi Football Sub-Association, chaos began after Salam FC player Steven Gaaniko travelled to Yambio and signed for Zamalek FC while still legally registered with Salam FC. In line with football transfer regulations, the association suspended Gaaniko from participating in the ongoing competition.

Juma said the disciplinary action sparked outrage among some Salam FC players who felt the decision was unfair. On Monday, four players confronted Bazia and assaulted him with sticks, breaking one of his teeth and inflicting multiple head injuries. The attack took place within the Maridi Stadium premises shortly after Salam FC completed their South Sudan Cup fixture.

Bazia was rushed to Maridi Hospital, where he received initial treatment. Medical personnel have recommended that he be transferred to Juba for further examination and advanced care due to the severity of his injuries.

“Seven suspects have been arrested, and the Secretary-General has already identified the ringleaders,” Juma told reporters. “Football is meant to unite communities, not to be turned into a source of violence or intimidation.”

Maridi County Commissioner Alfred Miiri confirmed the arrests and the violent incident, noting that tensions were already high following Salam FC’s defeat to New Nation FC in the knockout fixture. He said the loss intensified frustrations among Salam FC supporters and some players, culminating in the assault.

Commissioner Miiri said investigations are underway and assured the public that the perpetrators will be held accountable.

“This kind of behaviour has no place in sports. We cannot allow individuals to tarnish the image of the game. The law will take its course,” he said.

Meanwhile, the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) and the Yambio Local Football Association have not yet released official statements regarding the attack.

However, community members, football fans, and local leaders have widely condemned the incident, calling for strict disciplinary action to safeguard football officials and ensure order during competitions.