by FSL News | 6 Oct, 2018 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
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Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commissioner boss, Francis Ben Kaifala, has again maintained that the ACC position remains the same.
“Our position remains the same. There is no further comment,” Francis Ben Kaifala told FSL news.
Read Related News…‘We have survived Ebola’ Francis Ben Kaifala ACC’s boss says after FIFA warning
It means Sierra Leone’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Ghana is now uncertain.
“The suspension will be lifted once the SLFA and its recognised leadership have confirmed to Fifa that the SLFA administration, premises, accounts and communication channels are under their control once again,” Fifa said.
The embattled SLFA boss Johansen and Sec-Gen Chris Kamara, have been warned that they will face additional charges of “obstruction”, by the Country Anti-Corruption Commissioner, should they fail to step down following an investigation into corruption-related charges.
According to Sierra Leonean law, when charged with certain anti-graft offences, that the duo are being charged with, it is mandatory for one to step down pending the completion of the investigation.
The duo was charged over a year ago on corruption-related charges. Both Johansen and Kamara have denied any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, a few days ago the ACC boss also used his Twitter account to respond to the FIFA letter addressed to the Sierra Leone Minister of Sports.
“FIFA has to reposition itself to fit into the dynamic paradigm of its member associations’ countries tackling corruption on its spinal cord to deal it a debilitating blow at once,” Francis Ben Kaifala posted.
He added, “FIFA is no example in that regard. Sierra Leone is on the move and can’t be held down any longer!” Ben tweeted.
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by FSL News | 2 Oct, 2018 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
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FC Zurich defender Umaru Bangura is available to lead Sierra Leone against Ghana for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier doubleheader this month.
Bangura, 30, who scored one of the goals against Kenya in the qualifier opener in Freetown, missed Leone Stars defeat in Ethiopia due to injury.
He has played three times this season for the Zurich-based club since his recovery from injury including their Europa league 1-0 win over AÉK Lárnaka in Greece.
Another notable inclusion is Denmark-based forward Mustapha Bundu.
The graduate from Craig Bellamy’s academy is a potential debutant for Sierra Leone in Kumasi.
FC Riga midfielder George Davies also named in the 21-man squad after been snubbed for the tie against Ethiopia.
Ghana host Sierra Leone on 11 October at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi in the third round of the group stage qualifiers before travelling to Freetown to for the second leg contest four days later.
Coach Keister also handed a second call-up to Bristol City young goalkeeper Alhaji Sesay and Queens Park Rangers right-back Osman Kakay.
Sierra Leone began the qualifiers with victory over the Harambee Stars of Kenya before suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ethiopia last month.
The Black Stars defeat to Kenya means that all four teams in Group F have three points from two matches.
John Keister’s Squad
Keepers: Solomon Zombo Morris, Alhaji Sesay, Mohammed Nabile Kamara.
Defenders: Yeami Dunia, Umaru Bangura, (C) Osman Kakay, David Simbo, Alie Sesay, Kemson Fofanah.
Midfielders: Mohamed Medo Kamara, Alfred Sankon, John Kamara, Julius Wobay, George Davies.
Forwards: Kei Ansu Kamara, Alhassan Kamara, Mohamed Buya Turay, Kwame Quee, Sheka Fofanah, Christian Moses, Mustapha Bundu.
by FSL News | 29 Sep, 2018 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
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FIFA has issued another warning to the Sierra Leone government in a letter dated 28 September addressed to the Minister of Sports Mr Ibrahim Nyelenkeh.
The recent conflict with Sierra Leone began on 12 September, when the Sierra Leone Anti-Corruption Commission issued instruction via the Sports Ministry that both Isha Johansen and Christopher Kamara to step aside pending an investigation into abuse of office, public and donor funds charges.
FIFA in a second letter this month, has again threatened to suspend the country from all international competitions – due to what they described as undue influence from any third party. Read Related News…Fifa responds to latest twist in Sierra Leone football crisis
Fifa also confirmed they already had a conversation about a possible meeting in Zurich with government which the Minister of Sports, Ibrahim Nyelenkeh has denied ever having such arrangement with anyone.
“We draw your attention to art. 14 par 1 let. i) and art 19 par. 1 of the FIFA Statutes, which obliges all member association, including the SLFA, to manage their affairs independently and without undue influence from any third party.
“Failure to meet these obligations may, according to 14 par. 4 of the FIFA Statues, lead to sanctions as provided for in the FIFA statutes, including a possible suspension, even if the third-party influence was not fault of the member association concerned,” the Fifa’s letter to the Minister stated.
“We request that the SLFA President, Ms Isha Johansen, and the SLFA Secretary-General, Mr Chris Kamara, are allowed to access the SLFA premises without further delay to ensure that the operations of the SLFA, including FIFA-funded projects, are not jeopardized.”
It is worth mentioning that enforcing the ban will stop the national football team of Sierra Leone taking on the Black Stars of Ghana next month in the race to Cameroon 2019.
The letter signed by Fifa’s Secretary-general Fatma Samoura, also reiterated that Fifa’s primary objective is the full implementation of the roadmap as agreed by Government of Sierra Leone, FIFA, CAF and the SLFA.
Johansen’s complicated reign has been tempestuous with a power struggle that has affected the game locally.
Her first four-year term expired on Thursday, August 3, 2017.
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by FSL News | 27 Sep, 2018 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
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Following the sad news of the sudden death of Sierra Leonean referee Victor Foday Marah, who died after collapsing on duty in Freetown on Tuesday.
The late 27-year-old was officiating a community league football match between Kroo Bay and Falcon 12 FC.
The Confederation of African Football CAF Referees Committee has sent a message of condolence to the Marah’s family.
“We have learnt with dismay and immense sadness the sudden passing away of Mr Victor Foday Marah a young promising referee.
“On behalf of the President of the CAF Referees Committee, Mr Souleiman Hassan Waberi, we wish to express our deepest Sympathy,” the letter signed by CAF Deputy General Secretary Anthony Baffoe stated.
Meanwhile, Football Sierra Leone understands that the late Marah, who recently attended the CAF’s referee’s course in Cairo, will be buried on Friday.
CAF’s letter to the Sierra Leone Football Association
by FSL News | 21 Sep, 2018 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
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Sierra Leone Anti-Corruption Commissioner boss, Francis Ben Kaifala says ‘the country’s laws must be upheld though the heavens may fall’.
Ben’s comments come in the wake of Fifa threats to sanction Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) with a ban following Tuesday’s raid on their premises by the anti-graft body.
The 33-year-old Anti-Graft Czar of Sierra Leone posted, “We have survived the war, beat Ebola, united against storm and rains. Our hearts are etched with valour by great forbearers – like Bai Bureh, Sengbeh Pieh, Kai Londo, Ella Gulama.
“We were named “Lion Mountain”, not Sheep Yard! Let our Laws be followed though the heavens may fall,” Ben tweeted.
On Tuesday, officers from the Sierra Leone Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) visited the Sierra Leone Football Association office following a seven-day ultimatum.
On 12 September, the ACC issued instruction via the Sports Ministry that both Isha Johansen and Christopher Kamara to step aside pending an investigation into abuse of office, public and donor funds charges.
“A public officer who is charged with corruption shall be suspended, at half pay, with effect from the date of the charge,” The reminded stated in a letter dated 12 September 2018.”
The ACC’s action was in line with the Commission Act No. 12 of 2008 which state that public officials indicted with corruption charges must be suspended until acquitted or the proceedings against them discontinued.
However, Fifa’s statutes forbid outside third party interference in the running of its members.
“FIFA has requested the SLFA to provide a detailed report on the current situation by no later than Monday 24 September,” a Fifa statement to Football Sierra Leone.
“Recent developments, if confirmed, would most likely constitute an undue interference in the affairs of the SLFA and would, therefore, have to be brought to the attention of the Bureau of the FIFA Council for consideration of sanctions, including the immediate suspension of the SLFA.”
“It was reported to our services that on 18 September, the premises of the SLFA were apparently intruded by the ACC, allegedly with the collaboration of the Ministry of Sports and accompanied by armed forces,” added the letter signed by Fifa Secretary General Fatma Samoura.
After the ACC’s actions in Freetown, the commission handed control of the SLFA to Brimah Kamara with Abdul Rahman Swarray acting as his secretary general.
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by FSL News | 20 Sep, 2018 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
- Fifa has issued a warning to Sierra Leone that the country risks an international ban following the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) visit.
- On Tuesday, officers from the Sierra Leone Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) visited the Sierra Leone Football Association office following a seven-day ultimatum.
On 12 September, the ACC issued instruction via the Sports Ministry that both Isha Johansen and Christopher Kamara to step aside pending an investigation into abuse of office, public and donor funds charges.
The ACC’s latest decision is in line with the Commission Act No. 12 of 2008 which state that public officials indicted with corruption charges must be suspended until acquitted or the proceedings against them discontinued.
“A public officer who is charged with corruption shall be suspended, at half pay, with effect from the date of the charge,” The reminded stated in a letter dated 12 September 2018.”
However, Fifa’s statutes forbid outside third party interference in the running of its members.
“FIFA has requested the SLFA to provide a detailed report on the current situation by no later than Monday 24 September,” a Fifa statement to Football Sierra Leone.
“Recent developments, if confirmed, would most likely constitute an undue interference in the affairs of the SLFA and would, therefore, have to be brought to the attention of the Bureau of the FIFA Council for consideration of sanctions, including the immediate suspension of the SLFA.”
“It was reported to our services that on 18 September, the premises of the SLFA were apparently intruded by the ACC, allegedly with the collaboration of the Ministry of Sports and accompanied by armed forces,” added the letter signed by Fifa Secretary General Fatma Samoura.
After the ACC’s actions in Freetown, the commission handed control of the SLFA to Brimah Kamara with Abdul Rahman Swarray acting as his secretary general.
Follow Us on Twitter @football_sierra on Facebook/Instagram Football Sierra Leone, the writer @bittar32 – Contact bi****@*********************ne.net.
Sierra Leone | Highlights -