SLFA Sets up Emergency Disciplinary and Appeals Committees for FA Cup

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has established Emergency Disciplinary and Appeals Committees to ensure the swift handling of disputes arising from the ongoing FA Cup competition.

According to a press release issued on 13 April 2026, the committees were constituted in line with Article 32 of the FA Cup Rules and Regulations, with a mandate to address protests, disciplinary cases, and appeals without delay.

The move comes amid growing public interest in fairness and transparency in domestic football competitions, where unresolved disputes can affect match outcomes, competition progression, and public confidence in the game.

The Emergency Disciplinary Committee is chaired by Alex Bhonapha, with Khadijatu Maligie Kamara serving as Vice Chairperson. Other members include Cyrus Sheriff, Osman Kholie Conteh, and Adams Tommy. The committee will handle all disciplinary matters and protests during the tournament.

The Emergency Appeals Committee is led by Hon. Tamba Kellie and includes Mohamed Sallieu Bangura and Zacharia Fornah. Its decisions will be final, placing significant responsibility on the panel to ensure fairness and justice in resolving appeals.

For many football stakeholders, the establishment of the committees is seen as a step toward addressing long-standing concerns over delays in decision-making and inconsistency in dispute resolution.

However, it also raises expectations for accountability and transparency, particularly in high-stakes matches where rulings can determine a club’s progression or elimination.

The SLFA has expressed confidence in the competence and integrity of the appointed members, stating that the committees are crucial to ensuring a fair and credible FA Cup competition.

As the tournament continues, attention will now shift not only to performances on the pitch but also to how effectively these new bodies handle emerging controversies in knockout football.