FIFA Commends SLFA President Babadi Kamara on Election as WAFU A First Vice President

FIFA has formally endorsed Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Babadi Kamara’s election as First Vice President of the West Africa Football Union Zone A, describing the appointment as a “well-deserved recognition” of his standing in the regional football community.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström conveyed the world governing body’s confidence in a letter dated 7 September 2026, stating that Kamara’s “experience, judgment and commitment to the game” would prove valuable to WAFU A in his new role.

The election took place on 6 September during the 15th WAFU A Elective General Assembly at the African Princess Beach Hotel in Banjul, The Gambia. Cape Verdean Football Federation President Mário Semedo was elected as the zone’s new president, succeeding Gambia’s Lamin Kaba Bajo, while Mali’s Mahazou Baba Cisset was elected as the other vice president.

Grafström noted that WAFU A “continues to make important strides, both on and off the pitch,” and stressed that strong, experienced leadership would be essential to sustaining that momentum. He reaffirmed FIFA’s commitment to close cooperation with Kamara in advancing football development across the region.

Kamara attended the congress alongside SLFA General Secretary Ing. Mohamed Benson Bawoh. Sierra Leone was also represented by Angela Constance Gabbidon, Secretary of the SLFA Women’s League Board and a member of the WAFU A Disciplinary Committee.

The SLFA described the outcome as a significant milestone for the country’s standing in regional football administration, saying the election “shows the confidence placed in his leadership and his contribution to the development of football in the sub-region.”

Kamara, a business mogul and football philanthropist, was elected SLFA President in August 2025. His rise to a key regional leadership position within 13 months underscores growing recognition of Sierra Leone’s influence in West African football governance.

WAFU A comprises nine member associations: Cape Verde, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal and Sierra Leone.