Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Executive Chairman of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, has publicly addressed the controversial dismissal of former Leone Stars Head Coach Mohamed Kallon, describing it as an internal decision by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) influenced by longstanding tensions between the coach and the association’s leadership.
Speaking on the matter, Abdulai clarified that while the Government of Sierra Leone is responsible for paying national team coaches, it does not directly control hiring or dismissal decisions.
He explained that under the existing arrangement, the SLFA serves as the technical body responsible for recruiting coaches in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and the NSA, after which the government assumes responsibility for their salaries.
“Leone Stars coaches are paid by the government of Sierra Leone,” Abdulai stated, adding that since his tenure began, reforms were introduced to ensure coaches are placed on the government payroll and receive regular monthly salaries, unlike in the past when payments were delayed for up to six months.
However, Abdulai revealed that neither the NSA nor the Ministry of Sports was formally informed about Kallon’s dismissal prior to the decision being made public.
“We were not informed about the sacking of Mohamed Kallon; we only heard it like every other news on the street,” he said, noting that previous practice required the SLFA to submit a report outlining reasons for termination under a tripartite agreement involving the SLFA, NSA, and the Ministry.
Despite this procedural lapse, Abdulai downplayed the gravity of the situation, describing it as “not a backbreaking issue” and one that can be resolved internally to ensure the continued progress of football in the country.
Providing deeper insight into the circumstances surrounding the decision, Abdulai pointed to a strained relationship between Kallon and the current SLFA Executive Committee.
According to him, concerns had been raised by SLFA officials that Kallon was “too independent,” often failing to consult or follow directives from the association.
“That relationship was never going to work,” Abdulai said, adding that Kallon’s perceived alignment with a previous SLFA administration further complicated matters.
He disclosed that efforts were made to mediate between Kallon and SLFA President Thomas Daddy Brima and later with the current leadership under President Babadi Kamara, but tensions persisted.
Abdulai acknowledged that while Kallon is widely regarded as Sierra Leone’s most accomplished footballer and a highly qualified coach, performance expectations also played a role in the push for change.
“We took money to go and qualify for the World Cup, we failed. If we have spent 3 to 4 million dollars and nothing positive happened, changes have to occur,” he stated.
He emphasized that the government did not impose Kallon’s dismissal but had previously advocated for his appointment, believing him to be “competent enough and the most qualified.”
The NSA boss also defended Kallon against claims regarding his coaching credentials, confirming that he personally verified Kallon’s UEFA Pro License with the relevant football authorities.
“I reached out to the FA, and they confirmed that Kallon has a UEFA Pro License. They attached his license to me,” Abdulai said, dismissing earlier public claims that the coach lacked proper certification.
According to Abdulai, the official dismissal letter sent to Kallon did not cite licensing issues but instead referenced concerns such as his refusal to attend press conferences and his decision to address internal matters on social media.
While expressing concern over the lack of formal communication in the dismissal process, Abdulai reiterated that the SLFA retains the authority to hire and fire coaches. “Even though they did not inform us, it is the duty of the SLFA to hire and sack coaches,” he concluded.
The development has sparked widespread debate within the football community, with many questioning both the process and the underlying reasons behind Kallon’s removal, even as authorities signal the need to move forward in the interest of the national team
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