SPORTS Story

FREETOWN: NEW PEOPLE CORRESPONDENT, JUNIOR: The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has banned the Sierra Leone National stadium from hosting all of its FIFA organised matches because it has failed to meet meet FIFA safety standards.

According to reports from the football world governing body, the Sierra Leone national stadium did not meets the international standard of facilities and the state of the pitch was cited as particularly sub-standard.

The reports also highlight the poor state of facilities including dressing rooms, medical facilities, and an inadequate crowd control and other safety features constructed within the infrastructure of the stadium

Last year, FIFA sent a safety inspection expert to examine and report on the state of the national stadium since it is a home venue for the national team as it participates in the African qualifiers for the World Cup in South Africa. The decision taken by FIFA to ban the stadium is evidently connected to last year’s visit and report to the football governing body.

The ban means that the national team, Leone Stars, will not host any of it 2010 qualifying matches in Freetown.

Meanwhile, FIFA has given the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) until April 4 to announce a venue were they should host their qualifying matches.

Speaking to The New People Correspondent, SLFA Administrative Secretary, Abu Bakar Kabba aka Sweet Kay said the ban is only limited to FIFA organized matches, which means that the national stadium can still host the Youth U-17 and U-20 matches.

Despite frowning at the FIFA decision, Sweet Kay said the football association will have an urgent meeting with the sports ministry and the stadium manager to address the issue immediately.

Director of Sports, Sadiu Mansaray, is also flumoxed at the FIFA decision adding that this decision will affect the country 2010 planning programmes.