Sierra Leone finds itself under scrutiny from FIFA (Fédération International de Football Association). The decision by the government to suspend and potentially postpone the elections of the country’s football federation could lead to FIFA suspending the national team.
It appears that the Sierra Leonean government may not have fully grasped the stringent regulations imposed by FIFA. All sporting associations fall under the jurisdiction of the global football governing body. The attempt to suspend the Sierra Leonean football federation by the country’s sports minister, Paul Kamara, risks drawing the ire of Joseph Blatter’s team toward himself and Sierra Leonean football. Kamara has criticized the organization of the football body, which he deems flawed. Meanwhile, the Sierra Leonean national team managed a draw (2-2) against Tunisia at home in the first leg of the last round of qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations, South Africa 2013.
In a move that raised eyebrows within the international football community, Paul Kamara also canceled the ordinary congress meant to nominate the next president of the Sierra Leone Football Federation. Such political interference in football affairs is strongly condemned by FIFA, with provisions for severe sanctions, including the suspension of the national team from all international competitions. Many countries facing similar FIFA sanctions have eventually acquiesced, and Sierra Leone is expected to be no exception to this rule.
