Sierra Leone Football Crisis Deepens as FIFA Backs Johansen
Sierra Leone’s footballing turmoil continues, as FIFA has officially refused to recognise the newly elected executive committee of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), further deepening the crisis engulfing the country’s football leadership.
The controversy stems from a disputed election held in December, during which the committee ousted SLFA president Isha Johansen. However, in a firm response, FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke made it clear that the world governing body only recognises Johansen’s leadership.
“We invite you to take note that the interim committee mentioned in your letter is not recognized by FIFA,” Valcke stated in an official communication to the disputed committee led by Unisa Alim Sesay.
FIFA further declared that it would continue to liaise exclusively with Isha Johansen, who was controversially left as the sole candidate in the last presidential election after her rivals were disqualified. The 48-year-old remains at the helm despite the recent attempt to remove her during a teleconference vote by the interim body.
In response, the group opposing Johansen insists they will not step down, raising the prospect of further instability in a footballing nation still reeling from its failure to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
