By James Anderson
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed an appeal filed by Aminata Bangura against a decision of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Ethics Board.
In an arbitral award issued on 5 October 2026, Sole Arbitrator Mark Andrew Hovell upheld the SLFA Ethics Board’s decision of 19 July 2025, which had been challenged by Bangura following the 2025 SLFA electoral process.
The dispute arose during preparations for the SLFA Ordinary Elective Congress held on 2 August 2025, when candidates seeking elective positions were subjected to integrity checks by the SLFA Ethics Board.
According to the CAS award, Bangura had applied to contest the position of SLFA President and submitted her nomination documents, including a police clearance certificate.
Concerns were subsequently raised regarding the authenticity and validity of the certificate, prompting the Ethics Board to seek further clarification from the Sierra Leone Police.
Following its investigations, the SLFA Ethics Board issued its decision on 19 July 2025. Bangura subsequently appealed the decision to CAS on 24 July 2025.
After considering the evidence and submissions presented by the parties, CAS dismissed the appeal and confirmed the decision of the SLFA Ethics Board.
CAS also ordered Bangura to bear the costs of the arbitration proceedings and to pay CHF 3,000 towards the SLFA’s legal expenses.
The arbitration was conducted with Lausanne, Switzerland, as the seat of arbitration, bringing the matter to a conclusion at the CAS level.
The SLFA has expressed appreciation to the Ethics Board, headed by Abu-Bakarr Sheriff Esq., for its work on the matter.
Recognition was also extended to Tanner Legal Advisory and its legal team, including Afrikanus Sorie Sesay Esq., Siman Allie Mans-Conteh Esq., Brima Koroma Esq., and other members of the legal team, for their representation of the SLFA before CAS.
