October 16 – Sierra Leone’s Sports Minister, Ibrahim Nyelenkeh, has accused the country’s FA president Isha Johansen (pictured left with FIFA general secretary Fatma Samoura) of being personally responsible for FIFA shutting down the federation despite on-going criminal investigations into its leadership.
FIFA cited “government interference” as the reason for last week’s suspension but Nylenkeh said Johansen, who was removed because she was being investigated by the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission, was instrumental in Fifa’s decision and insisted she would not be re-instated.
“Isha took her golden pen and wrote to FIFA to suspend us,” charged Nylenkeh.
SLFA media officer Ibrahim Kamara laughed off the allegation and responded: “It is an unfortunate statement from the Minister who cannot even justify his claim.”
As the bitter in-fighting continues, Nylenkeh’s department said it would not give in to FIFA pressure saying the removal of Johansen and her number two Chris Kamara “must be complied with” while investigations are ongoing.
In the meantime, a delegation is being put together to travel to Zurich in a bid to resolve the current impasse.
Under the suspension the SLFA cannot play in international competition or continue with any FIFA development programmes, including courses or training from FIFA or CAF.
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