FIFA Engages SLFA Over Falaba and Karene District Electoral Dispute

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has issued an official update following a high-level virtual meeting with FIFA aimed at resolving ongoing electoral disputes within the association.

The meeting, held on Monday 7th July 2025, brought together FIFA officials, SLFA Acting General Secretary Mohamed Benson Bawoh, and members of the SLFA Electoral Committee, Electoral Appeals Committee, and Ethics Committee. The discussions focused on the controversial decisions made by the Electoral Appeals Committee regarding the Falaba and Karene District Football Associations.

According to the SLFA, FIFA reaffirmed that the Appeals Committee lacks the legal authority to rule on appeals from District Football Associations. This position is grounded in Article 59(1) of the SLFA Statutes and Article 1 of the SLFA Electoral Code, which limit the jurisdiction of the Appeals Committee in such matters.

Despite this clarification, the Electoral Appeals Committee defended its actions, asserting that its decisions were based on other legal provisions within the SLFA framework. The committee, however, acknowledged FIFA’s concerns and requested the global football body to review their rulings on both districts and provide guidance on the way forward.

In response, FIFA instructed the SLFA Secretariat to submit the committee’s rulings for internal review and pledged to advise accordingly. The world football governing body also issued a strong caution to all SLFA committees to strictly adhere to the Association’s statutes and to operate free from any external influences.

Furthermore, FIFA stressed the need for mutual respect and cooperation between the SLFA Secretariat and its various committees. They also reminded stakeholders that the mandate of the current SLFA Executive Committee has expired, making the conduct of new elections a matter of urgency.

In closing, FIFA warned that continued delays in organizing elections could prompt intervention from the global body, potentially affecting the overall governance and operations of football in Sierra Leone.

The SLFA has assured the public of its commitment to resolving the issues in line with FIFA’s guidance and the association’s legal framework.