SLFA boss confirms FIFA to setup investigative body
July 31, 2017 By Sahr Morris Jnr
Isha Johansen
President of Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Isha Johansen has confirmed that the world football’s governing body, FIFA is establishing an investigative body to probe into the long awaited match fixing allegations in Sierra Leone.
The SLFA president, who confirmed the establishment of the FIFA panel during her last Thursday’s press statement, said the body being setup, will also have an appointee from Sierra Leone.
She said: “An international investigative body is being set up which will, together with one appointed person from Sierra Leone would look into the match fixing allegations.”
Four players and 11 officials were accused by the SLFA of attempting to fix a 2010 World Cup qualifier match between Sierra Leone and South Africa in Pretoria, match which ended in a goalless draw. Since
2014 these players and officials have been suspended pending an investigations but they have all denied any wrongdoing.
However, one of the officials, who has been accused by the SLFA, has already been questioned the legality of the said FIFA body.
“Fifa has always maintained internal issues do not fall under their remit. They will have to justify the sudden change of policy in setting up their committee rather than use the independent ethics board elected by the SLFA Congress,” Rodney Michael said adding that his position is purely on principles and not in fear, as he have adequate evidence to prove my innocence in front of any committee.
