By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone – September 19, 2025 — The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Transition Committee, led by Chairman Dr. Isaac Massaquoi, has presented a comprehensive report detailing systemic governance and operational failures threatening the credibility and sustainability of football administration in the country.
The report, compiled in August 2025 following the Elective Congress held on August 2, was unveiled at the Miatta Conference Hall in Freetown. It highlights critical weaknesses across governance, finance, competitions, staffing, and coordination with oversight bodies such as the Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Authority.
“These systemic weaknesses pose serious risks to SLFA’s future,” Dr. Massaquoi declared, emphasizing the need for a structured handover and institutional reform.
Key Findings
- Governance Breakdown: Inconsistent application of statutes, poor oversight, and incomplete documentation have led to weak accountability and credibility gaps. Executive Committee approvals were bypassed, and Congress sessions suffered from poor discipline.
- Administrative Failures: The report revealed a lack of professional expertise in finance, HR, and refereeing departments. Staff files were incomplete, and occupational safety standards were absent. Arbitrary recruitment and promotions were conducted without HR policies.
- Unresolved Allegations: A serious case involving the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old within SLFA premises remains unresolved, raising concerns about accountability and safeguarding.
- Competitions and Refereeing: Overlapping reporting lines and stagnant training programs have undermined FIFA requirements. The disrupted 2025 Premier League promotion/relegation process triggered regional bias complaints.
- Media and Marketing Deficiencies: The department lacks equipment and expertise, missing revenue opportunities. The committee recommends splitting it into Media & Marketing and Commercial units for transparency.
- Premier League Board and Coordination Gaps: Weak governance, irregular licensing, and poor coordination with national bodies threaten football development. The committee proposes SLFA directly manage national team funds to improve oversight.
- Technical Centre and Schools Program: Delays, poor documentation, and undistributed resources—including over 10,000 footballs—highlight inefficiencies.
Recommendations
Short-Term Priorities:
- Approve an interim organogram
- Clarify reporting lines
- Publish a competitions calendar
- Develop core governance policies
Medium-Term Goals:
- Establish a Project Management Unit
- Finalize the FIFA Technical Centre
- Revitalize commercial operations
Dr. Massaquoi stressed, “By strengthening institutional frameworks, we can rebuild trust and ensure sustainable growth.”
The report was supported by committee members Hon. Sirajin Rollings-Kamara, Aruna Mans-Davies, George Moore, Isha Norwoh Bawoh Esq., and Tanu Jalloh.
Reacting to the findings, SLFA Vice President I, Alie Badara Tarawallie, commended the Transition Committee’s efforts and pledged that the report would be carefully reviewed and acted upon. “I must commend the efforts made so far by the Transition Committee,” he said. “We will work together to make SLFA a better institution for all Sierra Leoneans.”