By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Football Association has received a major boost following the decision by FIFA to lift all financial restrictions imposed on the association, effective 19 January 2026. The development marks a significant turning point for football administration in the country.
The lifting of the restrictions comes just over five months after the new SLFA executive committee assumed office, under the leadership of President Babadi Kamara. The decision is widely seen as a vote of confidence in the reforms and governance measures introduced by the current leadership.
FIFA had earlier placed financial controls on the SLFA due to concerns over administration and financial management. However, recent efforts by the new executive to strengthen transparency, accountability and institutional management have reportedly satisfied FIFA’s requirements, leading to the removal of the sanctions.
With the restrictions lifted, the SLFA is now expected to enjoy greater operational flexibility, allowing it to directly manage funds and implement development programs without external limitations. Football stakeholders believe this will positively impact the growth of the game at both national and grassroots levels.
As part of its reform agenda, the SLFA has announced a significant increase in funding for regional Football Associations. The annual budget allocation for each regional body has been raised from fifteen thousand United States dollars to fifty thousand dollars. The move is aimed at strengthening grassroots football, improving competitions and supporting talent development across the regions.
According to the SLFA leadership, empowering regional associations is key to building a sustainable football structure. Increased funding is expected to support youth leagues, coaching education, officiating and infrastructure development at the community level.
In addition to administrative progress, Sierra Leone is set to gain valuable international exposure through participation in the FIFA Series 2026. The Leone Stars will face St Lucia in Azerbaijan as part of the global friendly tournament organized by FIFA.
The winner of that encounter will go on to play either Oman or host nation Azerbaijan in another international friendly, also to be staged in Azerbaijan. The matches are expected to provide the national team with important competitive experience against diverse opponents.
Football analysts see the FIFA Series as an opportunity for Sierra Leone to assess player depth, improve team cohesion and gain international ranking points ahead of future competitive fixtures.
Overall, the lifting of FIFA financial restrictions, increased investment in regional football and participation in international matches signal a new chapter for football development in Sierra Leone. Stakeholders remain hopeful that sustained reforms and improved governance will translate into stronger performances on and off the pitch.
