Sao Tome football matches suspended over unpaid referees
Referees went on strike on Saturday, halting all league games due to non-payment of their allowances by the football federation.
Football league matches in Sao Tome were suspended on Saturday, October 25, 2026, because referees went on strike over unpaid allowances. The referees did not show up for games, including a scheduled match between 6 de Setembro and Juba de Diogo Simão at Quartel field, which was part of the 21st round of the first division.
The strike meant that teams, police, and spectators had to leave the Quartel field. One street vendor selling drinks and chicken wings near the field expressed frustration, stating, "I spent so much to buy these things to sell and now I will lose my money."
This suspension affects the penultimate round of the league, known as the “deposto Rei.” The decision was made by the referees who are demanding payment from the Sao Tomean Football Federation (FSF).
Why it mattersFootball fans and vendors were directly affected by the suspension of matches.