By Morlai Ibrahim Kamara
Lead FIFA Instructor, Evangelist Felix Onias Tangawarima, has sharply criticized the Sierra Leone Referees Committee for lack of oversight of the country’s football referees.Speaking at the conclusion of the first phase of the FIFA Member Association (MA) Course for Elite Referees in Bo City, Tangawarima expressed disappointment over the committee’s failure to build working relationships with the referees they are tasked to supervise.
“They don’t evaluate referees; they don’t assess referees. It becomes very, very difficult because they are the policymakers for referees,” Tangawarima stated. “When it comes to selection and promotion, they have a big say, but they don’t know the referees. I probably know a number of them better than some of the committee members.”
The training, which ran from June 16 to June 25, 2025, marked a milestone for Sierra Leonean football, with all 30 participating elite referees — male and female — successfully passing FIFA’s mandatory fitness test for the first time in the country’s history.
While commending the referees for their discipline, dedication, and performance, Tangawarima condemned the total absence of the Referees Committee throughout the course.
“Since we came here, no member of the referees’ committee — who are our immediate point of contact in the country — has attended the sessions. Sometimes, it seems as if they are not interested in what we are doing,” he said.
In response, Acting General Secretary of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Mohamed Benson Bawoh, acknowledged the concern and admitted he lacks the authority to compel the committee’s participation.
“I wish I had the power to enforce it automatically; unfortunately, I don’t, because I have a board above me. I will deliver a strong message to them to ensure they become more involved in these processes,” Bawoh said.
Despite his criticism, Tangawarima praised the referees’ achievements in both the physical and theoretical components of the course and encouraged them to stay focused, promising FIFA’s continued support to help elevate Sierra Leone’s referees to higher levels.
FIFA Fitness Instructor Cherifi Nasreddine also congratulated the participants, commending their professionalism and commitment.
“This is a proud moment, not just for the participants but for the entire nation. It shows how far referee development has come in Sierra Leone. Congratulations to everyone!” Nasreddine said.
He also extended gratitude to the SLFA, the Referees Department, and all stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the training.
Tangawarima’s concerns are not just about absenteeism but point to systemic weaknesses in governance, accountability, and commitment within Sierra Leone’s refereeing structures.
His remarks underscore the urgent need for:
Stronger institutional oversight.
Better coordination between FIFA, the SLFA, and the Referees Committee.
A cultural shift towards proactive engagement and transparent evaluation.
If these concerns are not addressed, the growth and credibility of Sierra Leonean refereeing both locally and internationally may stagnate.
