Freetown, Sierra Leone – Mohamed Kallon, head coach of Sierra Leone’s national football team, has issued a firm ultimatum to the country’s football authorities: increase his monthly salary to $20,000 or he will step down from his role.
Kallon, a former Leone Stars captain and one of Sierra Leone’s most celebrated footballers, was appointed as head coach in February 2025. Since then, he has been at the helm during the team’s World Cup qualifiers, including a 3-1 victory over Guinea-Bissau and a loss to Egypt in March.
The government initially offered Kallon a monthly salary of $10,000, which was later increased to $15,000 following discussions between the Ministry of Sports, the National Sports Authority (NSA), and the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA). However, Kallon has rejected the revised offer, stating that his experience and international prospects warrant a higher salary.
Reports suggest that Kallon has received a $40,000 monthly offer from Liberia and is considering other opportunities. Despite this, government officials have indicated that the $15,000 offer is final, citing fiscal constraints and the need to prioritize broader sports development.
Dr. Emmanuel Safa Abdulai, Executive Director of the National Sports Authority, has refuted claims of an ultimatum, stating that negotiations are ongoing and no final decision has been made.
As negotiations continue, the future of Kallon’s tenure as head coach remains uncertain. The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for the Leone Stars and the future direction of Sierra Leonean football.
