The world’s football governing body, FIFA has refused to comments on the ongoing crisis between the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) and its stakeholders as the latter’s call for an extra-ordinary congress continue to gain momentum in the country.
Over 38 football stakeholders recently met at the Siaka Steven Stadium in Freetown and took a decision to stage an extra-ordinary congress on December 20th this year after they unanimously resolved to invoke Article 28 of the SLFA’s Statutes.
However, with rumors from the SLFA that FIFA has frowned at the move by the stakeholders, a spokes person from the FIFA media department in an exclusive interview with Songhai Sports Network (formerly African Sports Media Network); Africa Bureau Chief, refused to shed more light on the ongoing issue but talked on several other issues relating to the country’s football situation.
When asked if FIFA has frowned at a move by the stakeholders, the FIFA spokesperson person Olegs Sokols reacted: “We are in regular contact with the SLFA. For the time being we have no further comments to make on the specific matter with regards to your question.”
Over 38 football stakeholders recently met at the Siaka Steven Stadium in Freetown and took a decision to stage an extra-ordinary congress on December 20th this year after they unanimously resolved to invoke Article 28 of the SLFA’s Statutes.
However, with rumors from the SLFA that FIFA has frowned at the move by the stakeholders, a spokes person from the FIFA media department in an exclusive interview with Songhai Sports Network (formerly African Sports Media Network); Africa Bureau Chief, refused to shed more light on the ongoing issue but talked on several other issues relating to the country’s football situation.
When asked if FIFA has frowned at a move by the stakeholders, the FIFA spokesperson person Olegs Sokols reacted: “We are in regular contact with the SLFA. For the time being we have no further comments to make on the specific matter with regards to your question.”
When further asked about FIFA’s views on the stakeholders move, the reply given was the same: “We are in regular contact with the SLFA. For the time being we have no further comments to make on the specific matter referred to in your question.”
In reactions to FIFA’s silence, owner and founder of premier league club, Anti Drugs FC, Alhaji Unisa Alim Awoko Sesay who also double as chairman of the SLFA constitutional committee, said he is pleased with FIFA’s stance so far and that they have already informed them (FIFA) about the December 20th congress.
He said: “We have already communicated with FIFA and also extended an invitation to them and the Africa Football Governing body CAF to come witness the congress.”
The stakeholders have already received the backing of Sierra Leone National Sports Council (NSC) which has urged the SLFA Executive Committee to respect the Association’s constitution and convene an extra-ordinary congress on December 20th 2014.
In related issue, Sokols revealed that no further decision have been made by FIFA regarding donation towards the fight against Ebola. “The FIFA Finance Committee decided to donate USD $50,000 to each of the football associations of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone – to be spent in conjunction with a local United Nations initiative. No more decisions have been made for the time being.”
In reactions to FIFA’s silence, owner and founder of premier league club, Anti Drugs FC, Alhaji Unisa Alim Awoko Sesay who also double as chairman of the SLFA constitutional committee, said he is pleased with FIFA’s stance so far and that they have already informed them (FIFA) about the December 20th congress.
He said: “We have already communicated with FIFA and also extended an invitation to them and the Africa Football Governing body CAF to come witness the congress.”
The stakeholders have already received the backing of Sierra Leone National Sports Council (NSC) which has urged the SLFA Executive Committee to respect the Association’s constitution and convene an extra-ordinary congress on December 20th 2014.
In related issue, Sokols revealed that no further decision have been made by FIFA regarding donation towards the fight against Ebola. “The FIFA Finance Committee decided to donate USD $50,000 to each of the football associations of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone – to be spent in conjunction with a local United Nations initiative. No more decisions have been made for the time being.”
By: Sahr Morris Jr.
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