SLFA Transition Report: Financial Mismanagement Uncovered

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) is facing a financial crisis that threatens the growth and credibility of football in the country, according to the Transition Committee’s final report.

The committee, set up after the SLFA Elective Congress in August 2025, handed over its final report to the newly elected Executive Committee on August 20, 2025, at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s Conference Hall in Freetown.

Committee Chairman, Dr. Isaac Massaquoi, explained that their review covered governance, finance, competitions, staffing, and coordination with oversight bodies. He said the report highlights weaknesses but also gives recommendations for improvement.

“We have successfully completed our tasks and compiled a very comprehensive report. Our findings highlight systematic weaknesses in governance practices, and we have made recommendations for the Executive Committee to decide on their implementation.” Said Dr. Massaquoi.

Dr. Isaac Massaquoi, chairman of the Transition Committee

Vice President 1, Mr. Ali Badara Tarawallie, received the report on behalf of President Babadi Kamara and the Executive. He praised the committee for doing a thorough job and promised that the leadership would study the findings carefully and act in the best interest of Sierra Leonean football.

Deep-Rooted Problems Put Sierra Leone Football at Risk

However, an analysis by Sierra Eye Magazine shows that the Transition Committee’s findings go far beyond minor weaknesses, pointing instead to deep problems that threaten the future of football in the country.

Governance issues were a central concern. The report revealed that SLFA statutes are often ignored, congress sessions lack discipline, and major projects such as the FIFA Technical Centre have moved forward with little oversight. This weak governance, the analysis notes, has created major accountability and credibility gaps.

In addition, the report uncovered troubling financial mismanagement. Audits have been delayed repeatedly, management accounts are missing, and asset records remain incomplete. Even worse, a government grant of NLe 720 million taken in 2019 without approval has never been repaid. The committee also flagged a contract where $100,000 was paid for four buses, but only two were delivered, leaving half of the funds unaccounted for. These financial lapses, Sierra Eye warns, point to a culture of weak oversight.

The report also raised safeguarding and equality concerns. Over 85 percent of the staff are men, which directly violates Sierra Leone’s Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act. These issues show that the Association has not done enough to ensure a safe and inclusive environment.

Competitions, too, were found to be in disarray. The 2025 Premier League ended without a proper promotion and relegation process, leading to protests nationwide. Division One was staged only in the North-West and Western regions, excluding much of the country and undermining the national feeder system. In addition, referee training has stalled despite FIFA providing $50,000 annually for that purpose. As a result, Sierra Leone’s competitive structure is weakening.

Furthermore, the management of facilities and resources also came under fire. The FIFA-funded Technical Centre remains incomplete even though most of the $527,000 contract has already been paid. Over 10,800 footballs intended for schools since 2023 have not been distributed, while buses remain unlicensed and hostels underused. Poor procurement and weak contract management have only worsened these failures.

Major gaps in media and marketing were also pointed out. The SLFA lacks both a clear strategy and the in-house expertise to build a strong brand or attract sponsorships, broadcasting deals, and ticketing revenue. On top of this, strained relations with the Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Authority have further limited the Association’s ability to coordinate on national football programmes.

In conclusion, the analysis stressed that the Transition Committee’s report is more than just a handover, it is a warning. Unless accountability, transparency, and professionalism are urgently restored, FIFA and CAF funding could be at risk. To avoid this, the committee has recommended sweeping reforms, including a new staff organogram, stronger financial checks, a national competitions calendar, and proper contracts for employees.

Distinguish guests at the handover event

The new SLFA leadership now faces the challenge of taking bold actions to restore trust, rebuild football structures, and safeguard the future of Sierra Leonean football.