The Government of Sierra Leone says it will not back down to FIFA’s demand to reinstate SLFA boss Isha Johansen and general secretary Christopher Camara putting their 2019 AFCON qualifier against Ghana off.
It could be recalled that the Anti-Corruption Commission of Sierra Leone barred SLFA boss Isha Johansen and general secretary Christopher Kamara from office following investigations on corruption-related charges.
Following a meeting on Monday, Sierra Leone FA petitioned Fifa to lift the suspension that will allow it’s national team honour their Afcon qualifier against the Black Stars this week.
But FIFA on Tuesday rejected the Sierra Leone Football Association’s request to lift the suspension.
“The suspension will be lifted once the SLFA and its recognised leadership have confirmed to Fifa that the SLFA administration, premises, accounts and communication channels are under their control once again,” Fifa reiterated.
Fifa suspended Sierra Leone from international football last week because of alleged government interference in the running of the country’s football association.
Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commissioner boss, Francis Ben Kaifala in a meeting with government officials and sports minister Ibrahim Nyelenkeh maintained that the ACC position remains the same.
“Our position remains the same. There is no further comment,” Francis Ben Kaifala told the press .
Speaking to Starr Sports from Sierra Leone after the meeting on Tuesday , the FSL news reporter Prince Scott insists the game will not be honored.
“Ghana and Sierra Leone game will only take place if Isha Johansen and Christopher Camara are reinstated and have access to the FA facility which I see will not happen since the government is not ready to succumb to such demands from FIFA”
“So it’s a clear manifestation to show that we are not going to honor that fixture because as it stands neither the government or the Anti-Corruption Commissioner is ready to back down to FIFA’s stance” Scott told Starr Sports
