Referee Abdul N. Fofanah is considering stepping away from officiating following his demotion by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Referees Committee, a decision that has drawn criticism from a sports journalist while regional refereeing officials urge the young official to remain committed to his career.

Fofanah’s demotion came after his performance in a Leone Rock Premier League 2025–26 match between Abacha City and Old Edwardians FC, which the national referees’ body deemed below standard.

In a WhatsApp conversation, Fofanah expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, claiming he was not granted a fair hearing and revealing that he is considering leaving refereeing altogether.

The Secretary-General of the Northeast Region Referees Association, Sim Fullah Sesay, has called on Fofanah to remain resilient despite the setback.

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“Nobody is above mistakes in any profession,” Sesay said in an interview with Hope Weekend Sports. “During my days as a referee, I faced a similar situation where I officiated below expectations. I accepted it in good faith and worked hard to bounce back stronger.”

Sesay acknowledged the psychological toll the decision may have had on Fofanah but assured that efforts are underway to support and guide him through the difficult period.

According to sources close to the Referees Committee, following the demotion, Fofanah was expected to return to officiate in regional division matches as part of his reassessment, where training would be conducted. However, the Northeast Referees Association confirmed that he has since failed to participate in training sessions to maintain his fitness and has not complied with directives issued by the regional association.

Concerns have also been raised over his decision to officially question the ruling of the SLFA Referees Committee without notifying his regional association, an act officials described as disrespectful.

Sesay warned that failure to accept the committee’s decision could have serious consequences for Fofanah’s future in the sport.

“Until he accepts the decision as final, it will be difficult to map out the next steps for him. Otherwise, he risks losing fitness and, ultimately, the career he has worked so hard to build,” he stated.

Meanwhile, sports journalist Augustine Brima Kanu has described the Referees Committee’s decision to demote Fofanah as too harsh and premature. Speaking on Hope Weekend Sports, Kanu argued that the decision came too early in the season, noting that similar officiating errors by other referees have typically resulted in suspensions rather than demotion.

“For me, Fofanah should have been suspended first, and if the poor officiating continued, then a stronger action like demotion could follow,” he said.

Despite the situation, Sesay reaffirmed his confidence in Fofanah’s potential, urging him to remain humble and focused.

“He still has what it takes to reach the pinnacle of this profession, but that will require discipline, respect, and perseverance,” he concluded.