By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone – April 2026: Minister of Sports Augusta James Teima has distanced her office from the controversial sacking of Mohamed Kallon as Leone Stars head coach, blaming the National Sports Authority (NSA) for failing to finalize his contract.
Speaking on a radio program in Freetown, the Minister said the absence of a signed contract created ambiguity around the terms of Kallon’s engagement and dismissal. “If there was a contract, the conditions would have been clearly specified as to whether or not Mohamed Kallon could be dismissed as head coach,” she explained.
Teima revealed that she first learned of Kallon’s dismissal through social media before receiving official confirmation from the Sierra Leone Football Association. She added that she personally spoke with Kallon on Good Friday, during which he expressed concerns about the process.
The incident has sparked public debate over governance and accountability in Sierra Leone’s football management, with critics pointing to lapses in administrative coordination between the Ministry of Sports, the NSA, and the Football Association.
Kallon’s exit continues to fuel controversy, raising questions about institutional roles and the need for proper contractual and procedural compliance in handling national team affairs.
The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) dismissed Mohamed Kallon citing administrative, operational, and regulatory failures, as well as strategic and technical concerns. The termination letter outlined eight specific points of non-compliance, and the SLFA emphasized that the decision was based on a considered assessment of the national team’s needs.
The SLFA’s termination letter highlighted lapses in compliance with internal procedures and regulations. These included failures in documentation, reporting, and adherence to established protocols.
The SLFA Executive Committee stated that the dismissal followed a “considered assessment of the technical, administrative, and strategic imperatives” of the national team. This suggests that performance and long-term planning were factors in the decision.
The official letter reportedly listed eight specific points of non-compliance, though details of each point have not been fully disclosed publicly.
Reports indicate that longstanding disagreements between Kallon and the SLFA leadership contributed to the decision. The NSA Chairman clarified that while the government pays national team coaches, the SLFA retains authority over hiring and dismissal decisions.
Kallon’s exit has sparked controversy, with fans and stakeholders questioning the transparency of the process and the coordination between the Ministry of Sports, NSA, and SLFA.
The dismissal raises concerns about stability in the national team’s technical management, especially as Sierra Leone prepares for upcoming international fixtures.