By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The President of the Sierra Leone Football Association SLFA, Mr Babadi Kamara, has officially presented FIFA badges to ten referees and assistant referees approved to officiate international matches in 2026.
The presentation ceremony marks another important milestone in the SLFA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen match officiating and raise Sierra Leone’s profile on the international football stage. The FIFA badge authorises referees to officiate in international competitions under the Confederation of African Football and the world football governing body.
The group of selected officials comprises six men and four women, a development that reflects the Association’s continued commitment to gender inclusion and the growth of female officiating in Sierra Leone. Football stakeholders have welcomed the balanced representation, describing it as a positive signal for the future of refereeing in the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, SLFA President Babadi Kamara congratulated the referees on their achievement, noting that earning a FIFA badge is the result of years of dedication, hard work and consistent performance. He described the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility.
Mr Kamara urged the officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity, fairness and professionalism whenever they step onto the field of play. He reminded them that their decisions and conduct do not only affect the outcome of matches but also shape the image of Sierra Leone football at the international level.
He emphasised the importance of discipline, transparency and excellence in officiating, stressing that referees must always be guided by the laws of the game and a strong sense of fairness. According to him, impartial and confident officiating is essential for the credibility of football competitions.
The SLFA President further encouraged the officials to remain focused, continue learning and take advantage of training opportunities provided by the Association and international bodies. He said continuous improvement is necessary to meet the growing demands of modern football.
Mr Kamara also praised the Referees Committee and technical department of the SLFA for their role in developing match officials and ensuring that Sierra Leone remains represented at international competitions. He noted that investing in refereeing is key to the overall development of the game.
The newly badged referees expressed gratitude to the SLFA for the support and confidence shown in them. They pledged to work hard, respect the laws of the game and represent the country with pride and professionalism.
Football analysts say the appointment of ten FIFA referees and assistant referees is a boost for Sierra Leone football, as it opens more opportunities for local officials to gain exposure and experience at a higher level.
The SLFA has reiterated its commitment to improving refereeing standards as part of broader efforts to strengthen football administration and competition in Sierra Leone.
