Referee Fofanah Urged to Stay Committed After SLFA Demotion

The Secretary-General of the Northeast Region Referees Association, Sim Fullah Sesay, has called on referee Abdul N. Fofanah to remain focused on his career despite his recent demotion by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Referees Committee.

In a message aimed at motivating the young official, Sesay emphasised resilience, courage, and determination as key traits for overcoming professional setbacks. “Nobody is above mistakes in any profession,” he said, recalling his own experience of officiating below expectations and working hard to bounce back stronger.

Fofanah’s demotion followed his performance in a Leone Rock Premier League 2025–26 match between Abacha City and Old Edwardians FC, which was deemed below standard by the national referees’ body. In a WhatsApp conversation, Fofanah expressed dissatisfaction, claiming he was not granted a fair hearing and revealed that he is considering stepping away from refereeing altogether.

Sources close to the Referees Committee confirmed that Fofanah was expected to return to officiate in regional division matches as part of a reassessment process, which includes structured training. However, the Northeast Referees Association noted that he has failed to participate in training sessions to maintain his fitness and has not complied with directives issued by the regional association.

Sesay also expressed concern over Fofanah’s decision to question the SLFA Referees Committee’s ruling without notifying his regional association, describing the act as “disrespectful.” He warned that failure to accept the committee’s decision could have serious consequences for the referee’s future in the sport.

“Until he accepts the decision as final, it will be difficult to map out the next steps for him. Otherwise, he risks losing fitness and, ultimately, the career he has worked so hard to build,” Sesay said. Despite the situation, he reaffirmed confidence in Fofanah’s potential. “He still has what it takes to reach the pinnacle of this profession, but that will require discipline, respect, and perseverance,” he added.

Meanwhile, sports journalist Augustine Brima Kanu described the SLFA Referees Committee’s decision as too harsh and premature. Speaking on Hope Weekend Sports, Kanu argued that the demotion came early in the season, noting that similar officiating errors by other referees have typically resulted in suspensions rather than demotion. “For me, Fofanah should have been suspended first, and if the poor officiating continued, then a stronger action like demotion could follow,” he said.

The situation has sparked debate within Sierra Leone’s football community about officiating standards, disciplinary procedures, and the pathways for referees to regain professional standing after setbacks.