FIFA, the global governing body for football, has issued a formal warning to the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) concerning the High Court injunction that halted the SLFA’s scheduled Ordinary Congress on November 30, 2024.

The injunction, issued by the High Court of Sierra Leone, has drawn FIFA’s attention due to its potential conflict with the organization’s statutes and governance principles.

In its communication, FIFA underscored the principles enshrined in the FIFA Statutes, which prohibit recourse to ordinary courts for resolving football-related disputes, except when explicitly allowed by FIFA regulations or binding legal provisions. FIFA emphasized that disputes should be addressed through arbitration tribunals, in line with Article 51 of the FIFA Statutes.

The governing body pointed out that the SLFA Statutes (2019 edition) also mandate that internal disputes or those involving its members must first be resolved through internal mechanisms or, ultimately, through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland. FIFA stressed that the SLFA’s internal channels must be fully utilized before any external legal actions are pursued, unless Sierra Leonean law explicitly prohibits such arbitration.

FIFA expressed concern that the High Court’s injunction represents undue interference in the SLFA’s operations, violating the governance standards outlined in Articles 14 and 19 of the FIFA Statutes. These articles require member associations like the SLFA to function independently and free from external influence.

Furthermore, FIFA reminded the SLFA that any breach of its statutes could result in the association’s suspension, regardless of whether the infraction was directly caused by the SLFA. The warning serves as a clear message that adherence to FIFA’s governance rules is paramount to avoid potential sanctions.

FIFA concluded by urging the SLFA to keep the organization informed of any developments regarding the injunction. The communication highlights the importance of compliance with FIFA’s regulations and the necessity for the SLFA to maintain its autonomy in managing football affairs within Sierra Leone.

This development comes at a critical time for Sierra Leonean football, as the SLFA navigates legal challenges that could impact its governance and operations, with FIFA closely monitoring the situation to ensure alignment with international football regulations.