FC Johansen Signals CAS Action Over Controversial Relegation Decision

A potential legal confrontation is emerging within Sierra Leonean football as FC Johansen has indicated its readiness to escalate a league relegation dispute to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The disagreement centres on a contested league table and what the club describes as a sudden and unjustified decision to drop them from the WAFA Division One League.

Allegations of Administrative Irregularities

During an interview on Mercury Radio, FC Johansen’s Head of Administration, James Momorie, raised concerns about what he described as serious administrative lapses and alleged intimidation tactics by the Western Area Football Association (WAFA).

According to Momorie, the dispute began after discussions regarding the accuracy of the league standings. He stated that earlier assurances suggested the table required review, but events reportedly took a different turn following a subsequent stakeholders’ meeting.

Disputed Relegation Process

Momorie further alleged that FC Johansen was excluded from critical discussions before being verbally informed that the club had been relegated to Division Two.

He claimed that no formal written communication or official explanation was provided prior to the announcement, describing the situation as abrupt and procedurally unclear. The club maintains that due process and transparency were not observed.

Formal Complaints and Escalation Plans

In response, FC Johansen has initiated administrative and legal steps by filing formal complaints with several football and government bodies, including:

• The Ministry of Sports
• The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA)
• The Confederation of African Football (CAF)
• The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA)

Club officials state that if these avenues fail to yield a fair resolution, the matter may be taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland, a move that could attract international attention and potentially impact domestic league operations.

Implications for Sierra Leone Football

A CAS case would place the country’s football governance structures under international scrutiny and could influence future administrative procedures within local leagues. Observers note that such disputes highlight the importance of transparency, communication and clear regulatory frameworks in sports management.

Source: Mercury Radio Interview / Club Statements