A customary court in Maridi County, Western Equatoria State, has sentenced two local football officials to one year in prison over violent misconduct linked to football administration, court officials said.
The ruling was issued last Friday by the Maridi County Customary Court, presided over by Paramount Chief Daniel James, following hearings into an assault and alleged mismanagement within the county’s football structures in December 2025.
Court official Bakindo Said said the two men were convicted under customary law for breaching regulations governing sports administration. In addition to the one-year prison term, the court imposed a three-month disciplinary penalty without pay.
“Football is not meant for fighting. Football unites people,” Bakindo said, adding that the punishment was intended to deter similar offenses.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Emmanuel Juma, president of the Maridi Local Football Association, said the case stemmed from the assault of the association’s secretary, who sustained serious injuries, including broken teeth.
“The secretary was beaten and seriously injured,” Juma said. “Two individuals, identified as Roman and Salim, were convicted and sentenced to one year in prison. Each was also ordered to pay two million South Sudanese pounds in compensation.”
Juma said the Maridi association operates under the Yambio Local Football Association and follows its disciplinary regulations.
“Football should never involve violence,” he said. “Once players, officials or referees are attacked, it goes beyond sport.”
He added that the two convicted officials were identified as ringleaders, while other individuals involved in the incident would be suspended from football activities in Maridi County for one year.
A victim of the attack, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said the case had been resolved by local authorities.
“I am recovering and will continue with my duties,” the victim said, adding that one suspect had reportedly fled.
In its ruling, the court said the sentence was meant to punish the offenders and deter future violence, while reinforcing discipline and accountability within local football administration.
Maridi County currently relies on judges from Yambio, the state capital, due to a shortage of resident judicial officers. Local authorities said the case was classified as a minor offense and therefore fell under the jurisdiction of the customary court.
Efforts by Radio Tamazuj to reach the Yambio Local Football Association, the Ministry of Local Government, judicial officials and human rights groups for comment were unsuccessful.
The two men are expected to begin serving their sentences immediately, according to the court.