The High Court of Sierra Leone has issued a ruling halting the planned Ordinary Congress of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), marking a significant escalation in a legal dispute over the organization’s governance.
The injunction, initially issued on November 25, 2024, remains in effect, following a challenge led by Tamba G. Gbetuwa, Chairman of the Moyamba District Football Association.
The court rejected the SLFA’s argument that the matter should be resolved internally, affirming its jurisdiction to hear the case. The ruling cited Article 1 of the SLFA Constitution, which defines the association as a corporate entity subject to legal proceedings.
Highlights of the Court’s Ruling
1. The SLFA’s petition, filed on November 27, 2024, was dismissed.
2. The injunction preventing the congress remains in place.
3. The substantive case will proceed to a full hearing.
4. The SLFA must bear the legal costs associated with the case.
The court emphasized the importance of judicial oversight in safeguarding the rights of aggrieved members and ensuring accountability within the SLFA.
The legal battle has sparked widespread criticism of the SLFA’s leadership, with some accusing the association of using procedural tactics to marginalize potential candidates in the upcoming congress.
“This is a critical moment for football in Sierra Leone,” said Aruna Sesay, a football enthusiast in Freetown. “We need transparency and reform to move our game forward. Our focus should be on building a competitive league and qualifying for major tournaments, not internal politics.”
The substantive case is scheduled for hearing in the coming weeks and could have far-reaching consequences for the SLFA and football governance in Sierra Leone. Many stakeholders hope the outcome will bring about long-overdue reforms and restore public confidence in the association’s leadership.
For now, the SLFA remains embroiled in controversy, with its future direction hinging on the resolution of this legal dispute.