The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has upheld Babadi Kamara's election as President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA). The court's decision was made on November 3, 2026, and it dismissed an appeal challenging the outcome of the SLFA Presidential Election held on August 2, 2025. The CAS Panel ruled that the issues raised by the appellants did not affect the integrity or outcome of the election.
The appellants, Aminata Bangura, SLIFA FC, and Musa Mahmood, had challenged the election result, which saw Kamara secure 43 votes against 11 votes obtained by Bangura. However, the CAS Panel declined to overturn the decision under appeal or declare the election null and void. The Panel's ruling confirmed that the election result remains unchanged, and Kamara's presidency of the SLFA is valid.
The CAS Panel also made a significant finding regarding the SLFA Executive Committee's authority to ensure the continuation of the Elective Congress despite the absence of the President and First Vice-President. The Panel relied on Article 82 of the SLFA Constitution and Article 2 of the Standing Orders of Congress, which grant the Executive Committee the legal authority to decide that the Congress should proceed under the chairmanship of the Second Vice-President.
Furthermore, the Panel confirmed that the Standing Orders of Congress, which came into force in 2012, remained applicable following the adoption of the SLFA Constitution in 2019. The Constitution expressly recognises their continued application as supplementary rules governing Congress proceedings. This finding has significant implications for the governance and administration of football in Sierra Leone.
The SLFA has welcomed the CAS Panel's decision, describing it as an important affirmation of its constitutional position, institutional authority, and commitment to ensuring continuity in football governance in Sierra Leone. The Association reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its governance structures, improving electoral procedures, and upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and democratic participation.
The SLFA also commended its Judicial Bodies for their commitment to upholding the Association's statutes, regulations, and principles of good governance. The Association extended appreciation to its legal representatives, particularly Africanus Sorie Sesay, Brima Koroma, and Siman Allie Mans-Conteh, for their professional representation throughout the proceedings. The SLFA also thanked its members and football stakeholders for their continued support and confidence in the institution.
With the legal challenge now dismissed, the SLFA remains focused on its mandate to govern, promote, and develop football in Sierra Leone under the leadership of President Babadi Kamara. The Association is committed to moving forward and implementing its plans and programs to promote football development in the country. The SLFA's leadership and stakeholders are expected to continue working together to achieve the Association's goals and objectives.
Key points
- The Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld Babadi Kamara's election as President of the Sierra Leone Football Association.
- The CAS Panel dismissed an appeal challenging the election result, which saw Kamara secure 43 votes against 11 votes obtained by his challenger, Aminata Bangura.
- The SLFA has welcomed the decision, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening governance structures, improving electoral procedures, and upholding transparency and accountability.
