WAFA Defies SLFA Order on FC Johansen Reinstatement

By Nenneh Fofanah

Freetown, 30^th March 2026- The Western Area Football Association (WAFA) has pushed back against an interim order from the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Disciplinary Committee directing the reinstatement of FC Johansen into Division One.

In its response, WAFA argued that the 2025/2026 Division One League had already been “duly concluded with all clubs participating and fulfilling their obligations in accordance with the established structure.” The association insists the order will not be enforced, despite FC Johansen welcoming the ruling.

The dispute stems from WAFA’s organization of what FC Johansen describes as a “snappy league,” which the club claims was unlawful and in breach of FIFA, CAF, and SLFA statutes. FC Johansen maintains they were neither informed nor invited to participate. Team Manager James Momorie recounted that when CEO Isha Johansen sought clarification from SLFA President Babadi Kamara, he denied knowledge of the competition and promised to investigate. Instead, the club later received notice of relegation to Division Two.

Initially threatening to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, FC Johansen opted to pursue redress through SLFA’s Disciplinary Committee. The committee, citing Article 4.8.7 of its code, set aside WAFA’s relegation notice and ordered Johansen’s reinstatement pending a full hearing.

Momorie, speaking to Truth Sports, expressed frustration at the delay, insisting WAFA should “just go by the order.” He revealed the club has lost over $20,000 after contracted players terminated agreements, unwilling to compete in Division Two. With a final verdict expected on April 20, Momorie is confident the evidence submitted will secure Johansen’s return to Division One.

WAFA, however, remains firm. Administrative Secretary James Sanu defended the association’s actions, stressing that financial constraints among clubs necessitated the snappy competition. He warned that enforcing the disciplinary order could trigger “an unending battle” with other teams. Sanu dismissed claims of poor communication as a “blame game,” noting that most Division One clubs honored fixtures and that WAFA regularly issued press releases.

He further clarified that Johansen’s placement in the Division Two FA Cup table was provisional, pending SLFA’s guidance. “This is not a battle to get FC Johansen out, but a battle for stability,” Sanu said, adding that WAFA and SLFA remain at peace despite the controversy.

The standoff now sets the stage for a decisive ruling in April, one that could reshape the balance of Sierra Leone’s Division One football.