In a startling development, Rodney Michael, the interim Chairman of Mighty Blackpoll football club and former Sierra Leone Premier League board Chair, has announced his resignation from all committees at the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA).
Speaking on Radio Democracy 98.1 Sports Update on Sunday, October 8, 2023, Michael expressed his strong disapproval of the current FA’s actions.
In a letter dated Friday, October 6, 2023, addressed to the FA, Michael formally tendered his resignation from the Statue Review Committee and made it clear that he no longer wishes to be associated with the FA in any capacity. His decision was driven by what he perceives as a lack of respect shown by the SLFA president and Executive Committee (Exco) members during the appointment of the technical team.
Michael explained, “I made myself unavailable for all appointments and committees at the FA because of the way the SLFA president and Exco members treated the technical team’s appointment with disrespect for everyone involved.”
He highlighted his disappointment with the FA’s handling of his potential appointment as Leone Stars’ team manager, citing political and financial motives as reasons for his rejection. Despite earlier congratulations from some FA members, he was ultimately denied the position.
When questioned about the source of these allegations, Michael stated that he had not received any formal communication but had heard from a reliable inside source. The FA’s President was unavailable for comment at the time of this report.
Regarding the technical team controversy, Michael criticized the SLFA, National Sports Authority, and Ministry of Sports for their lack of professionalism in handling the matter publicly.
He believed that the matter should have been resolved privately, expressing disappointment in the public airing of grievances.
Michael asserted that the FA is responsible for technical team appointments but claimed they mishandled it, particularly in the case of Mohamed Kallon being consulted to coach Leone Stars while John Keister was still in office.
He deemed this disrespectful to Keister, who played a pivotal role in the national team’s qualification for the Nations Cup. Furthermore, he criticized the FA’s reasons for not appointing Kallon, describing them as insufficient and deceptive.
In conclusion, Michael expressed sympathy for Amidu Karim, who finds himself in an awkward position between his former boss, John Keister, and former club owner Mohamed Kallon due to the FA’s actions.
Regarding the management of Leone Stars, Michael believed that reducing the size of the national team’s delegation could save taxpayers’ money and reduce distractions. He criticized the presence of 10 to 15 individuals loitering around the team’s hotel, engaging in non-official activities, and argued that such a large delegation is detrimental to the team’s success and a wasteful use of government funds.
