By: Alhaji A. Barrie – Freetown, Sierra Leone
FIFA’s ruling in favor of Mighty Blackpool FC isn’t just a win on paper — it’s a wake-up call for Sierra Leone football. FIFA has ruled in favor of Mighty Blackpool Football Club following a long-standing dispute with the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA). The ruling comes after Diamond Stars FC was found to have used unregistered players during the 2024/25 Premier League season — a violation that sparked controversy and calls for accountability.
Mighty Blackpool FC lodged a formal protest, which was upheld by the Premier League Board’s Emergency Disciplinary and Protest Committee. However, the SLFA failed to enforce the decision, prompting the club to escalate the matter to FIFA. The global football body has now stepped in, declaring that the SLFA was wrong to ignore the ruling.
FIFA has ordered the SLFA to:
– Correct the official league table
– Issue a public apology
– Pay a fine of 5,000 Swiss Francs within 30 days
Mighty Blackpool FC welcomed the decision, calling it “a victory for justice” and “a victory for football.” Club officials emphasized that the case goes beyond a single match, highlighting the importance of fairness and respect for the rules across the league.
The ruling comes at a critical time, as a newly appointed SLFA executive team steps into leadership. Sports analysts say the decision presents a major test for the new administration — one that could define its credibility and direction.
“The new team didn’t cause the problem,” said one football analyst, “but now they have to fix it. This is their chance to show they’re serious about fairness and transparency.”
Experts suggest three key steps the SLFA must take:
– Swift compliance with FIFA’s orders
– Internal review of why the original ruling was ignored
– Open communication with clubs and fans to rebuild trust
“This is more than a disciplinary issue,” another analyst added. “It’s an opportunity to reset the tone of football governance in Sierra Leone. If handled well, it could mark the beginning of stronger leadership and better accountability.”
