The Sierra Leone Ministry of Sport has lifted the suspension of 15 players and officials who were alleged to have been involved in match-fixing, reports the BBC. It is understood that the decision was taken to ensure that the Sierra Leone football association congress – scheduled for 17-19 April – can go ahead.

In July last year, the government and the football association suspended 15 players and officials in connection to a 2010 World Cup qualifier against South Africa in 2008, which ended goalless. Last week, the South African Sports Minister criticised FIFA for not dealing with match-fixing allegations relating to the national team’s 2010 World Cup warm up games. Convicted match-fixer Wilson Raj Perumal admitted fixing qualifying games for the 2010 World Cup in a 19 February interview.