By Alusine Sesay
The Ethics Committee of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has declared Ms. Aminata Bangura ineligible to contest the upcoming elective congress on August 2, 2025, citing serious ethical violations.
Ms. Bangura was disqualified on the grounds of forging and falsifying her police clearance, a breach of Article 15(1) of the SLFA Code of Ethics. According to the Committee, her actions amounted to presenting a forged document with the intent to deceive, a matter viewed as a grave infraction rather than a minor irregularity.
During her hearing on July 12, Ms. Bangura—General Manager of SLIFA Football Club—affirmed that she had personally obtained her police clearance and underwent fingerprint screening. However, subsequent verification by the police contradicted her claims, revealing that the clearance was issued through a proxy and not in her presence.
Her legal team, while disputing the police findings, failed to produce evidence proving her presence at the Criminal Investigations Department.
The Committee emphasized that the integrity test is a cornerstone of SLFA governance and that candidates must demonstrate absolute fidelity to the Code, which aligns with FIFA’s standards. As such, Ms. Bangura’s conduct did not meet the ethical threshold required for the presidency.
Her exclusion marks another high-profile disqualification ahead of the crucial August congress, as the SLFA continues its efforts to enforce transparency and accountability within football leadership.
Bangura, a prominent female contender, has formally contested the Ethics Committee’s decision barring her candidacy. Through her legal representatives, she has petitioned Africa’s football governing body, CAF, and the world football governing body, FIFA, requesting their intervention over what she describes as an “adverse and unsubstantiated finding” regarding a police clearance.
Her lawyers argue that no evidence has been presented showing that she forged or altered the document, asserting that any procedural lapse lies with the issuing authority, not the candidate. The letter also confirms she reapplied for a new police clearance, with the police indicating it will be issued within 72 hours.
Citing SLFA integrity guidelines, particularly Paragraph 4 of Part 1, Annex A, the lawyers emphasize that Madam Bangura has no criminal record or disciplinary sanctions from any sporting or judicial body—criteria essential for disqualification.
They contend that the Ethics Committee’s decision, without due process or definitive legal proof, not only compromises the fairness of the electoral process but also risks damaging Madam Bangura’s reputation.
Parties who are aggrieved by the decision of the Ethics Committee can appeal to the High Court. Only Babadi Kamara and Umaru Bah have been cleared to run for the SLFA presidency.