Freetown, Sierra Leone – April 10, 2026
The full termination letter sent by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) to Mohamed Kallon, dismissing him as Head Coach of the Leone Stars National Team, has surfaced, revealing a comprehensive list of alleged administrative, operational, and regulatory failures that led to his immediate removal on April 2, 2026.
Addressed to Mr. Mohamed Kallon at the SLFA headquarters on 21 Battery Street in Freetown, the two-page official document, signed by Acting General Secretary Ing. Mohamed Benson Bawoh and copied to SLFA President Babadi Kamara, the Minister of Sports, and the Executive Director of Sports at the National Sports Authority, outlines eight specific points of non-compliance.
The letter, dated April 2, 2026, states that the Executive Committee reached the decision after a comprehensive review of Kallon’s conduct and performance.
It emphasizes that the termination stems from “persistent non-compliance with established administrative, operational, and regulatory obligations.”
Key allegations detailed in the document include:
1. Consistent failure or refusal to attend official team and squad announcement press conferences for matches played under his leadership.
2. Failure to hold mandatory pre-match press conferences as required under applicable competition regulations and media protocols.
3. Failure to attend mandatory post-match press conferences, in breach of standard obligations governing international fixtures.
4. Refusal, during the recently concluded 2026 FIFA Series match against Azerbaijan, to comply with FIFA’s requirement for the Head Coach to attend official press conferences, despite direct communications from the Head of Delegation Mr. Alie Badara Tarawallie, Team Manager Mr. Abdul Karim Bangura, and Assistant Coach 1 Musa Kallon.
5. Authorization or acquiescence in permitting a non-designated coach, Mr. Paul Kpaka, to represent him in a pre-match press conference.
The letter further escalates with additional claims on the second page:
– Kallon’s practice of including himself in the delegation as Mental Coach, described as being in contravention of established protocols.
– Refusal to include and travel with a Goalkeeper Coach because he is a foreigner, an action labeled as “xenophobic, unjustifiable, and has no place in a professional sporting environment.”
– Engagement in “unwarranted, unauthorized, and gratuitous social media commentary” on confidential matters, particularly those relating to credential verification processes in line with CAF requirements, potentially causing reputational and regulatory exposure to the Association.
– Refusal to appoint and travel with a duly qualified Assistant Coach 2 in accordance with CAF mandatory requirements, while insisting on including an individual who does not meet the prescribed qualifications.
The SLFA described these acts and omissions as a “fundamental breach” of Kallon’s core functions and responsibilities as head coach, which “irreparably undermined the trust and confidence reposed in your office.”
Kallon has been directed to immediately cease all activities related to the role, facilitate an orderly handover of the Leone Stars National Team, and return any SLFA property, documentation, or materials in his possession.
Despite the strong wording, the Association acknowledged his contributions, stating: “Notwithstanding the above, the SLFA acknowledges your service to the national team and expresses its appreciation for your contributions during your tenure. We wish you every success in your future professional endeavors.”
During his brief tenure, Kallon oversaw seven matches for the Leone Stars, recording 3 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses. The team was noted for remaining competitive, with no defeats by more than a one-goal margin.
Public reaction has been mixed, with some supporters questioning the timing and transparency of the decision, while others point to reported issues around press conference attendance and internal protocols. Kallon himself responded cryptically on social media shortly after the news broke: “A lie has speed, but truth has endurance. Sierra Leoneans you will soon hear from me.”
SLFA General Secretary Mohamed Benson Bawoh has since addressed aspects of the dismissal in media appearances, though the full detailed letter now provides the clearest picture of the Association’s position.
As of April 10, 2026, no replacement for the Head Coach position has been announced, leaving the Leone Stars in a period of transition amid ongoing international commitments. The development continues to generate significant debate within Sierra Leone’s football community.
