Guinean Football Federation (FGF) President Aboubacar Sampil has addressed concerns of internal discord within the organisation, dismissing claims of exclusion and reaffirming his commitment to transparency and inclusion in a press conference that marked his first official meeting with the media.
Responding to criticism that his leadership style has been “lonely,” with some members of the federation’s executive committee alleging limited collaboration, Sampil defended his approach, insisting he is open to dialogue and shared decision-making.
“I don’t believe anyone is excluded in this system. I’m a very open person,” he stated, countering narratives of isolation at the top of Guinean football’s governing body.
Sampil noted that, from the outset of his mandate, he was instructed by Sports Minister Bogola Haba to promote unity and inclusiveness within the federation.
Acting on this directive, he held meetings with several of the country’s key football stakeholders, including Kerfalla Camara “KPC,” Mathurin Bangoura, and former federation president Antonio Souaré—figures he described as the “main patrons of Guinean football.”
In a bid to ease rising tensions and growing perceptions of factionalism, Sampil also took aim at the terminology used within the federation’s ranks.
He openly criticised the use of group labels such as “G47″—an informal reference to a bloc of officials within the football body—calling them divisive and harmful to the overall cohesion of the organisation.
“I believe in the players in football, and these names lead to division. I fight against this division,” Sampil said firmly, positioning himself as a unifier in a football environment long plagued by internal rivalries and power struggles.
His comments come at a delicate time for the FGF, which continues to face scrutiny over governance practices and administrative transparency.
The president’s public outreach effort appears aimed at easing friction among executives and stakeholders, many of whom have voiced frustration over what they view as limited consultation in major decisions.
Despite the visible strains within the federation, Sampil’s message was clear: unity remains the goal, and dialogue is the path forward.
Whether that approach can reconcile the federation’s fragmented leadership remains to be seen, but the president’s call for cohesion sets a definitive tone as his tenure gathers momentum.
