Author: FSL News

* Established in 2014 © 2021 FSL MediaFootball Sierra Leone - all you need to know about the game in Sierra Leone and Sierra Leonean footballers at home and abroad.Founded by Alie Ahmed Bittar in 2014, Bittar is one of the leading journalists from Sierra Leone with over 25 years covering football.The award-winning website also covers football from across the continent.We aim to continue pursuing up-to-date reports for our readers in Sierra Leone and across the globe.FSL Media is always informative, accurate and consistent. Make Football Sierra Leone Your daily news feed.Follow our social media pages on Twitter @football_sierra, Instagram, Linkedin and Facebook. Permission to use our content is granted subject to crediting our website as the source.Contact: Managing Editor Alie Ahmed Bittar - Email: bittar@footballsierraleone.com - Tel: +44 (0) 7861141119
Freetown City's relegation confirmed after the Disciplinary Committee's decision
by FSL News

Freetown City relegated after Disciplinary Committee’s decision

On July 19th, 2024, Freetown City suffered relegation from the Sierra Leone Premier League. This decision came after the league’s Disciplinary Committee awarded three points and two goals to Wilberforce Strikers.

On the second-to-last day of the league, a controversial penalty was awarded to Wilberforce Strikers in the 52nd minute while FCFC was leading 1-0. As a result of this decision, the match was halted and subsequently abandoned by the referee.

FCFC has forfeited the match. As a result, 3 points and 2 goals have been awarded to Wilberforce Strikers FC by Rule 24.2 paragraphs b, c, and d, reports the Emergency Disciplinary and Protest Committee.

Several fines and suspensions were imposed on FCFC players, coaches, and management due to the incident. Additionally, FCFC has been fined 10 million Leones for the collective misconduct of its players, officials, and supporters.

The Secretary General of FCFC expressed disappointment with the decision and stated that the club will challenge it through established mechanisms to ensure justice.

https://twitter.com/football_sierra/status/1814606173993144383

Ex-International Nibombe Dare is the new Togo head coach
by FSL News

Ex-International Nibombe Dare is the new Togo head coach

The Togolese Football Federation (FTF) has officially announced that Nibombe Dare is the new head coach of the national team, known as the Sparrowhawks.

During a press briefing at the FTF headquarters in Kégué, it was announced that Daré, a former Togolese international player with a UEFA Pro license, will be leading the team in the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers.

“Nibombé Daré, a former international defender for the Hawks, was chosen from a group of Togolese candidates. After a rigorous evaluation, it was finally Daré who was selected to lead the Hawks.

The new coach inherits a team in search of stability and performance. With important deadlines in perspective, including the qualifications for the African Cup of Nations, CAN 2025 and the World Cup 2026, Daré will have the arduous task of forming a solid and coherent group,” FTF noted.

This announcement ends weeks of speculation about who would succeed Paulo Duarte. His first match in charge will be a home game against Liberia in early September.

FTF Secretary General Herve Agbodan told reporters, “This is the official announcement of his appointment. Nibombé Daré will soon be in Lomé to discuss the terms of his contract before his official presentation.”

Equatorial Guinea, Angola, and DRC make progress in Fifa ranking
by FSL News

Equatorial Guinea, Angola and DRC make progress in Fifa ranking

In July’s Fifa ranking, Sierra Leone stayed at 122nd place and 34th in the continent but the focus is on Equatorial Guinea, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The impact on the rankings of certain African teams was due to their limited participation during the concurrent UEFA EURO and Copa América events.

Equatorial Guinea moved up by two places, while Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo each moved up by one place.

Morocco, a top team in African football, didn’t do as well but still did well against tough teams. They dropped from 12th to 14th place in the world, but they are still a strong force in international football.

Senegal’s national team, the Lions of Teranga, also dropped to 19th place in the rankings.

Overall, these changes show the bright and competitive spirit of African football. They also show that African football is getting better and becoming more important globally.

Click the link to see the FIFA ranking of African teams.

Abdul Fatawu has signed a five-year deal to permanently stay at Leicester City for £14m. His impressive performance during a loan from Sporting Lisbon made him a fan favourite.
by FSL News

Ghana’s Abdul Fatawu makes Leicester City’s permanent switch

Abdul Fatawu has signed a five-year deal to permanently stay at Leicester City for £14m. His impressive performance during a loan from Sporting Lisbon made him a fan favourite.

Fatawu made 43 appearances and scored seven goals for the Foxes last season, including a hat-trick against Southampton.

The 20-year-old Ghanaian international impressed during his loan spell at King Power Stadium, helping Leicester City to win the Sky Bet Championship title and secure promotion to the Premier League.

After receiving league and international clearance, Abdul Fatawu is all set for the upcoming season.

Abdul Fatawu expressed his excitement about returning, stating, “I feel amazing. It’s so good to be back and I’m just ready to focus again for next season.”

He will rejoin his Leicester City teammates as they prepare for the Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, August 19th.

Burkina Faso International Bertrand Traoré joins Ajax
by FSL News

Burkina Faso International Bertrand Traoré joins Ajax

Ajax have signed Bertrand Traoré from Burkina Faso on a two-year contract. Traoré joined as a free agent after his contract with Villarreal CF ended.

Born on September 6, 1995, in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, Traoré played for Ajax on loan in the 2016/17 season and reached the UEFA Europa League final.

He played 39 matches and scored thirteen goals that season. After leaving Ajax, Traoré played for Olympique Lyon, Aston Villa, and Istanbul Başakşehir before joining Spanish club Villarreal CF last winter.

Ajax’s Technical Director, Alex Kroes, expressed his excitement about Traoré’s arrival and highlighted the player’s eagerness to succeed and versatility in forward positions.

Kroes also emphasized Traoré’s goal-oriented approach, speed, and valuable experience, making him a significant addition to the squad.

Traoré played for Ajax on loan in the 2016/17 season and reached the UEFA Europa League final.
Traoré played for Ajax on loan in the 2016/17 season and reached the UEFA Europa League final.