Court Delivers Final Ruling on Case Challenging Babadi Kamara’s Election as SLFA President
Aminata Koroma The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed an appeal challenging the outcome of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Presidential Election held on 2 August 2025, upholding Babadi Kamara’s election as President of the Association.
In an Arbitral Award in the matter of CAS 2025/A/11738-Aminata Bangura, SLIFA FC and Musa Mahmood v. Sierra Leone Football Association, the CAS Panel ruled that the issues raised by the appellants did not materially affect the integrity or outcome of the election, either individually or collectively, to warrant its annulment.
Consequently, the Panel declined to overturn the decision under appeal or declare the 2 August 2025 Presidential Election null and void. The election result, which saw Kamara secure 43 votes against 11 votes obtained by his challenger, Aminata Bangura, therefore remains unchanged.
In another significant finding, the CAS Panel affirmed the legal authority of the SLFA Executive Committee to ensure the continuation of the Elective Congress despite the absence of the President and First Vice-President.
Relying on Article 82 of the SLFA Constitution and Article 2 of the Standing Orders of Congress, the Panel held that the Executive Committee had the legal authority and sufficient grounds to decide that the Congress should proceed under the chairmanship of the Second Vice-President.
The Panel also confirmed that the Standing Orders of Congress, which came into force in 2012, remained applicable following the adoption of the SLFA Constitution in 2019, noting that the Constitution expressly recognises their continued application as supplementary rules governing Congress proceedings.
Reacting to the decision, the SLFA described the ruling as an important affirmation of its constitutional position, institutional authority and commitment to ensuring continuity in football governance in Sierra Leone.
The Association further reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its governance structures, improving electoral procedures and upholding the principles of transparency, accountability and democratic participation in accordance with its Statutes and applicable football regulations.
The SLFA also commended its Judicial Bodies for their commitment to upholding the Association’s statutes, regulations and principles of good governance, which it said remain fundamental to the integrity and credibility of football administration in the country.
The Association extended appreciation to its legal representatives, particularly Africanus Sorie Sesay, Brima Koroma and Siman Allie Mans-Conteh, for their professional representation throughout the proceedings.
It also thanked its members and football stakeholders for their continued support and confidence in the institution.
With the legal challenge now dismissed, the SLFA said it remains focused on its mandate to govern, promote and develop football in Sierra Leone under the leadership of President Babadi Kamara.
