Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Babadi Kamara has announced a 12.5% increase in seed money for Premier League clubs, raising the allocation from NLe 200,000 to NLe 225,000 each for the 2026/27 season.
The SLFA boss made the disclosure on Friday evening while speaking at the Leone Rock Premier League Awards Night held at Bintumani Hotel in Freetown.
Kamara explained that the boost comes as the top flight prepares to run with 16 clubs next season after the number of participating teams was reduced from 18.
He praised the just-ended campaign under Premier League Board Chairman Osman Tommy as one of the best in recent years, pointing to the successful use of the FIFA Connect system and stronger administrative and disciplinary standards.
Since taking office about a year ago, the SLFA President said referees’ match fees have been increased from NLe 700 to NLe 2,000.
He also noted that his administration had, for the first time, successfully organised all major domestic competitions — the Men’s and Women’s Premier Leagues, FA Cup, Division One and Division Two.
On the issue of integrity, Kamara stressed that disciplinary measures had been taken against several match officials.
“No one is cheating anyone, at least not under my administration,” he declared, insisting the SLFA would not compromise the fairness of its competitions or favour any club.
He congratulated Bo Rangers on retaining the Leone Rock Premier League title and Star Sport Academy for finishing as runners-up.
Kamara encouraged relegated sides to bounce back stronger and urged the newly promoted clubs to prepare thoroughly for life in the top flight.
Turning to the national team, the SLFA President described Leone Stars as “the heartbeat of every Sierra Leonean” and appealed for full national support ahead of the AFCON qualifiers scheduled for September.
He revealed that Technical Director John Edward Keister and Head Coach Didier Gomez Da Rosa travelled to the United Kingdom on Friday to scout players for the upcoming campaign.
Looking ahead, Kamara announced plans to construct more football facilities next year, with Lungi listed among the areas set to benefit from new artificial-turf projects.
He expressed gratitude to title sponsors Leone Rock Metal Group, the Government of Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Finance, football fans and SLFA staff for their continued backing. Special thanks went to President Julius Maada Bio and his government for what Kamara called their steady financial support towards the development of the game in the country.
The announcement forms part of a series of reforms under Kamara’s leadership, which has also seen increased funding for regional associations, improved match officials’ welfare, and efforts to strengthen infrastructure and competition standards across Sierra Leone football.
