By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay
The high court of Sierra Leone has postponed the hearing of embattled FA President, Isha Johansen. Johansen and FA Secretary General, Chris Kamara are on trial for corruption and mismanagement. The court which was due to seat today was unexpectedly adjourned for Friday, 3rd May.
The postponement came following mild confusion as to whether Monday, 29th April was a public holiday or not. It is common for some Monday’s to be observed as public holidays, especially when a major occasion falls during the weekend. The country celebrated its 58th Independence on Sunday, so there was a general assumption that Monday was a holiday. However State House had released a press release late last week that Monday will not be observed as a holiday.
This postponement doesn’t change anything. Both the prosecution and the defence teams are expected to make their closing arguments before Justice Reginald Fynn, from then a date will be set for the final verdict by the court.
Last year world football governing body, FIFA suspended Sierra Leone from the international stage for what they saw as government interference in football administration, a stance Sierra Leone has tried to argue against.
The country’s anti-graft body has been very crucial in setting aside Johansen and Kamara from football administration duties whiles the case against them continue, this the commission say is in line with their laws.
The participation of Sierra Leone on the international stage is hinged on the conclusion of this case, FIFA say they will consider bringing back Sierra Leone in the national fold whenever this case concludes.
(c) 2019 Politico Online
