On the 15th July 2014, a joint press release purportedly issued by the Ministry of Sports and the Football Association, supposedly signed by the Minister of Sports, Paul Kamara, and the FA President, Isha Johansen, was circulated to local and international media houses and posted on a good number of social sites.
The Press Release apparently dealt with two separate set of suspension for uncertain reasons and a total of 15 people, including myself were suspended from all football related activities and from our relevant positions whether as Regional Executive Officers, District officials, Club officials, referees or players, with immediate effect.
Regarding my own suspension in line with 9 other officials, this is what the release stated; “Meanwhile, following other revelations and information’s received by the Ministry of Sports, the SLFA hereby informs the general public that the Ministry of Sports has resolved to suspend with immediate effect the following individuals from all football and other sports related activities including positions held in the clubs, leagues, associations, etc.”
It implies that the release is suggesting that the Ministry of Sports resolved to suspend us from all football activities and the instruction was given to the Football association to effect the suspension by the Ministry.
For the records, let me state that I have never been interrogated or investigated for any involvement in any irregularity or unlawful activity relating to football or any sports for that matter.
In addition, I have never been notified of any allegation of any wrong doing in sports that may warrant any suspension and thus the Press Release was received with shock and utter dismay.
However after following updates on the media and as it is becoming very complex to verify the authenticity of the Press Release due to conflicting media reports suggesting otherwise, I have taken the decision to reserve a full statement until I return to Sierra Leone within the week, by which time I expect to have concluded medical examinations from my doctors.
In the interim my legal team is investigating the origin of the Press release and will act accordingly to seek redress against all those responsible for attempting to tarnish my image.
In conclusion, I would like to commit myself to cooperate with any committee established to investigate any irregularity in football.
Rodney Edmond Michael
(ELECTRONICALLY SIGNED)
(C) Politico 17/07/14
