The governing body of football, FIFA, has stated that it will intervene if elections are not conducted, which could have significant consequences for the governance of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA).

FIFA has also raised concerns about external influence following disputes within the lower electoral levels of the SLFA as preparations for the presidential election, scheduled for August 2nd, are ongoing.

This comes as a result of elections held at the district levels in the Falaba and Karene Football Association, which have been overturned after a ruling and directives of the Electoral Appeals Committee of the Sierra Leone Football Association.

The Electoral Appeals Committee of the SLFA decided to overturn the election process on the grounds of irregularities, despite their jurisdiction being limited to the SLFA elections, which has attracted the attention of FIFA to interfere.

FIFA, to resolve the issue, arranged a meeting with the Ethics Committee, the Electoral Committee, and the Electoral Appeals Committee.

Authorities within the global football body told them during this meeting that, under the SLFA statute, the Electoral Appeals Committee has no jurisdiction over appeals from the territories and emphasised the importance of cordiality between the Secretariat and committees, stressing adherence to SLFA statutes.

According to the SLFA, FIFA reminded the meeting that the mandate of the current Executive Committee has expired, necessitating elections to renew leadership legitimacy.

Even though FIFA issued warnings, the Electoral Appeals Committee insisted on their decision and suggested that FIFA review their ruling and come up with a judgment.