FIFA Imposes 20% Restriction on SLFA Development Funding

By Nenneh Fofanah

Freetown, 19^th January 2026- FIFA has imposed a 20 percent restriction on the Sierra Leone Football Association’s (SLFA) rights to receive development funding, following a dispute over the relegation of Mighty Blackpool in the 2024/2025 Leone Rock Premier League season.

In a letter dated January 13 from FIFA’s Miami office, the world football governing body informed the SLFA that the sanction will take effect in July 2026. The decision has sparked concern among football stakeholders and fans, who are awaiting an official response from the FA.

Mighty Blackpool, one of Sierra Leone’s oldest and most popular clubs, finished 15th in last season’s league with 40 points, placing them among the relegated teams. However, the club contested the decision, arguing that they had won an appeal against Diamond Stars FC. On August 21, 2025, the Emergency, Disciplinary and Protest Committee ruled that Mighty Blackpool should be moved to 11th place with 43 points, which would have kept them safe from relegation.

Reacting to FIFA’s ruling, Mighty Blackpool’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Sahid Sankoh, said the decision vindicated the club’s position. “This is between SLFA and FIFA. They lost the case, which means everything Mighty Blackpool said was true we were not part of the teams relegated last season,” Sankoh stated. He added that the SLFA had appealed FIFA’s ruling but failed to meet the requirements, with FIFA ultimately declaring the decision final and binding.

Sankoh described the outcome as “a win against injustice in Sierra Leone football,” noting that the club had sought justice locally without success. He also accused the SLFA of continuing unfair treatment in the current season, citing scheduling issues. “We have 12 teams in Freetown. Eleven of them are playing matches in the provinces in the first round, but Mighty Blackpool is the only team not traveling. They call that an electronic draw,” he said.

Meanwhile, SLFA Head of Media, Ibrahim Kamara (IBK), confirmed that the association will issue an official statement within the week.

The sanction raises questions about the SLFA’s governance and could have significant implications for football development in Sierra Leone, as FIFA’s funding plays a crucial role in supporting infrastructure, training, and grassroots programs.