by FSL News | 29 Aug, 2017 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone’s national team, Leone Stars, will no longer face The Flames of Trinidad and Tobago in a proposed international friendly encounter due to date disagreement.
Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) last June confirmed that the national team would play an international friendly encounter against the T & T in the United Kingdom between 28th August and 5th September 2017.
But according to SLFA media officer, Ibrahim Kamara, the proposed friendly match will never be materialised due to a disagreement between both associations on date.
“The date was the problem; we want to play the match on a FIFA calendar date but the Trinidad and Tobago officials want the match to go on outside FIFA date because they are occupied with other engagement” the SLFA media officer said, adding that they (SLFA) cannot play such a friendly in U.K. outside FIFA calendar time.
Despite the SLFA made public the proposed match in June 2017, timing has always been the fear if the match could go on as plan and the T & T F.A president, David John-Williams earlier confirmed to Wired868, via Whats App that the timing could be an issue based on their World Cup qualifier on September 1.
By Sahr Morris Jnr – Follow the writer on Twitter @morris88jr – @football_sierra
by FSL News | 17 Aug, 2017 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
The football world mourned Sierra Leone disaster after Monday’s deadly mudslide and flooding on the outskirts of the country’s capital, Freetown.
World football governing body, FIFA, as well as the Confederation of Africa Football, CAF, and football Legend David Beckham, have all paid tribute to the victims and families of the Monday’s disaster in Freetown.
Grieving families were also joined by tens of thousands of sympathizers in the football fraternity as they continue to mourn the tragic loss.
Sierra Leone’s President Ernest Bai Koroma visited the site of the mudslide near Freetown.
“It was with great sadness we learned of the tragic mudslide of last Monday, which caused the death of hundred players and destroyed the lives of thousands, Fifa stated in a letter to the Sierra Leone Football Association, SLFA.
“On behalf of the international football community, I would like to join you in expressing my deepest sympathies to the families of the victims, the injured and those still missing, as well as my solidarity with the people of Sierra Leone at this time of great mourning.
The Fifa president Gianni Infantino added: “Our thoughts are with all of the families and communities.”
CAF president, Ahmad Ahmad in his letter to the SLFA said: “At the time when the people of Sierra Lone sorely hit in his flesh mudslides and landslides resulting from deaths, I would like on my behalf and on behalf of the family of African football to express my total solidarity and an overwhelming sense of sadness.”
Manchester United’s legend and former England skipper, David Beckham in his message said: “Right now, my thoughts are with all those affected by the devastating flooding and mudslides in Sierra Leone. I had the chance to visit the country nearly ten years ago with UNICEF.
“I have so many memories of the incredible children and families I met. UNICEF teams are on the ground right now, working with the government and partner organizations to help provide life-saving support to children and families affected. When disasters like this strike, UNICEF is able to respond quickly to help protect children.”
The pain is terrible as Sierra Leone Ministry of Sports and National Sports Council joined others to observe a minute silent prayer for the victims on Wednesday.
It’s difficult to ascertain the exact figures but latest figures from authorities indicated that over 250 bodies with other body parts have been found so far while over 2000 people are currently displaced.
Sierra Leone’s President Ernest Bai Koroma on Wednesday together with other dignitaries from the diplomatic and consular core visited the site of a mudslide.
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by FSL News | 10 Aug, 2017 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone have jumped seven places in today’s FIFA world rankings from 83rd to 76th.
Despite they were eliminated in last month’s CHAN preliminary qualifiers in Dakar against Senegal 4-2 on aggregate, the Leone Stars impressively moved up as the 76th best for the month of August.
Amassing 448 points, they are also the 16th best team on the continent.
Sierra Leone next international outing is against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the West African Football Union (WAFU) Cup of Nations to be played in Ghana next month.
Meanwhile, Brazil have returned to the top of the FIFA global rankings in today’s update for August, moving ahead of Confederations Cup winners Germany despite neither nation actually playing any games since the July rankings were released a month ago.
World Champions Germany down to second place with Argentina, Switzerland and Poland making up the top five.
European champions Portugal, Chile, Colombia, Belgium and France making up the top 10.
World’s top ten: (1) Brazil (2) Germany (3) Argentina (4) Switzerland (5) Poland (6) Portugal (7) Chile (8) Colombia (9) Belgium (10) France.
Africa’s top ten: (1) Egypt (2) Congo DR (3) Senegal (4) Tunisia (5) Cameroon (6) Nigeria (7) Burkina Faso (8) Algeria (9) Ghana (10) Côte d’Ivoire.
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by FSL News | 4 Aug, 2017 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
World football body FIFA has insisted that it will continue to recognise the outgoing Sierra Leone FA executive until integrity checks are done for all potential candidates including the incumbent head Isha Johansen.
This information was exclusively disclosed to Football Sierra Leone today following an enquiry into the protracted impasse.
The FIFA position comes on the same day that the rival faction seeking to oust Johansen from power issued their proposal on the way forward at a news conference in Freetown.
In their proposal, the faction of football administrators wants regional heads of the current FA to steer the body until the election.
They also recommended that this interim set up will work with the FIFA’s task force.
From all indication, it is clear that FIFA is not buying the idea.
Isha Johansen’s four-year term expired on Thursday, August 3, 2017.
Her complicated reign has been tempestuous with a power struggle that has affected the game locally.
Today a FIFA spokesperson responding to FSL reiterated that: “FIFA is still involved in the process and FIFA is still striving to help to find the best possible solution.
Fifa added, “We reaffirm our position for the need for integrity checks before the SLFA can proceed with its General Assembly.
“All current and potential SLFA members of the SLFA Executive Committee, including the President, must undergo integrity checks in line with the FIFA statutes and the FIFA Government Regulations.
“Until these integrity checks are done, we have no alternative but to continue with the current leadership and management of the SLFA in preparation of the General Assembly. Once all these requirements have been clarified, SLFA executive will be nominated.
The issue of the integrity checks is a major factor in the process to the next SLFA’s congress.
Johansen has recently made a serious allegation against the country’s sports minister purporting in a statement that he does not favour the integrity checks.
But the Minister and his deputy fired back with a strong and firm response by accusing Mrs Johansen of killing football and distorting the truth.
Meanwhile, rival members meeting today are calling for an emergency extraordinary congress next week.
“The (current executives) mandate has expired and has no legal authority to represent the FA in any capacity, and under any circumstances within or outside Sierra Leone for any International event.
“The mandate of the four Regional Executives are valid and as such are recognised as Executive members to work alongside the FIFA appointed Moral Guarantor or his representatives to assume the reign of office and to convene an emergency extraordinary congress within a one week from today.”
They added, “The membership would expert FIFA, CAF the Sports Council and all official partners to appreciate and accept our mandate and decision as it is in the interest of the nation.
“We hereby request the Sports Council and Security Forces to facilitate the smooth taking over of the official activities of the FA by the four Regional Chairmen and the FIFA appointed moral guarantor or his representative, and for the officials whose mandate have expired to be warned not to assume anymore official responsibility hence forth,” members noted.
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by FSL News | 3 Aug, 2017 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
John Keister and two others have been suspended by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), ‘Indefinitely’ after a leaked audio recording emerged a few weeks ago.
In the recording, voices purported to allegedly be that of the Leone Stars suspended coach Keister, Prince Tamba Moses- Technical Officer and Alusine Kabba- Logistics Officer all three but mainly Keister and Kabba expressing their dismay over the FA boss.
Keister’s reign in charge of Sierra Leone has been halted despite guiding Leone Stars to a 2-1 home victory over Kenya in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations first leg qualifying tie in Freetown June 10.
He lost his first international friendly against Liberia Lone Stars in Liberia ahead of the Afcon qualifier opener.
The FA has issued a statement today amid series of controversies surrounding what happens next as the Isha Johansen’s mandate expire today August 3, 2017.
The FA stating that, “Following the recent audio making the rounds in which some officials of the Sierra Leone Football Association attempted to bring the name of the SLFA into disrepute, the management of the Football Association has given an Indefinite Suspension to the services, as employees, of the individuals who were found engaged in the malicious discussions in the said audio.
“The suspended officials are John Keister- Head Coach Leone Stars, Prince Tamba Moses- Technical Officer and Alusine Kabba- Logistics Officer.
“These officials were found guilty of gross misconduct by bringing the name of the institution into disrepute and the action against them by management is in accordance with Art. 26 of Sierra Football Association’s Conditions of Service.
“The SLFA management will subsequently inform the suspended officials with regards development on their employment status.”
The Manchester-born, Keister, started his career at Tigres in 1992 before moving to England in 1993.
Prior to his suspension Keister, who was appointed as the new technical head of Leone Stars in May replacing Sellas Tetteh was forced to apologise over the said leaked audio.
He stated in his apology, “On 12th July 2017, an audio clip in which I spoke on some issues was widely circulated and went viral, globally.
“I am very sorry with apologies and will like to categorically state that, the discussion was entirely private and meant for just four of us, who were in my vehicle which was in motion.
“It was not deliberate and never intended to smear, defamed; castigate anybody’s hard won reputation or character. It was either premeditated or had any semblance of conspiracy against anybody or an organisation, agency or country.”
“I must express my utter disappointment and frustration over the recording of my discussion without my approved consent,” Keister regretfully stated
The former Sierra Leone international has played for Walsall, Chester City, Shrewsbury Town, Stevenage Borough, Margate and Dover Athletic where he was captain before returning to previous club Margate on a free transfer in September 2009.
Contact the writer bi****@*********************ne.net @bittar32 – @football_sierra
by FSL News | 30 Jul, 2017 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone
Football Sierra Leone was awarded the AWOL UK 2017 Special Award (ASA) for its “Outstanding Contribution to Sierra Leone football and Sports Journalism” on Saturday in London.
The founder and editor of the website, Alie Ahmed Bittar, received the award at the Royal Regency Banqueting Suite, Manor Park, London, on July 29, 2017, during the 6th Annual Achievement Awards ceremony.
The AWOL UK recognises individuals and organisations that have made a significant contribution to society by supporting community cohesion and development.
In a letter to editor Bittar, AWOL stated: “We are very proud and delighted to inform you that you and your medium have been chosen for an AWOL Special Award (ASA) – Contribution to Sports Journalism and your immense contribution to your community.”
The letter praised the website’s support, thoughtfulness and kindness to society and added, “We are, therefore, pleased to recognise your invaluable work.”
The award was determined by the All Works Of Life review panel across AWOL’s global network.
Bittar, who was born in Sierra Leone and has lived in the United Kingdom since 2007, expressed his honour and humility at being recognised as the driving force behind the only Sierra Leone football fastest-growing website.
“I am extremely grateful to my team and feel honoured to be a part of Sierra Leone’s sole and fastest-growing football website, which attracts over 30,000 monthly visitors.”
“I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to AWOL UK for recognizing our website’s efforts. I must mention that despite the difficulties in organizing such a prestigious event, you were able to put together a program that will be remembered for a long time.”
The Sierra Leone High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Edward Mohamed Turay, was among other dignitaries in attendance.
In 2015 FSL editor – Bittar was named amongst the 54 most influential people in Sierra Leone by the Swit Salone website.
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