A top FIFA official has raised serious concerns about the lack of oversight by Sierra Leone’s Referees Committee, describing their absence from a key training programme as a sign of weak leadership.

Evangelist Felix Onias Tangawarima, a respected FIFA instructor, voiced his disappointment following the completion of the FIFA Member Association (MA) Course for Elite Referees held in Bo City. The course brought together 30 of Sierra Leone’s top referees—men and women—who, for the first time in history, all passed FIFA’s rigorous fitness test.

Despite this progress, Tangawarima said the committee responsible for managing referees failed to show up or play any active role during the ten-day training.

“They are supposed to be the main supervisors, but they didn’t come. They don’t assess or engage with the referees,” he said. “How can you promote people you don’t know?”

The course, which ran from June 16 to June 25, was seen as a significant moment for referee development in the country. Tangawarima praised the referees’ hard work and discipline but was clearly frustrated by the absence of leadership.

Mohamed Benson Bawoh, Acting General Secretary of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), acknowledged the issue. He explained that while he understands the importance of committee involvement, he does not have the authority to compel them.

“I will send a strong message,” Bawoh assured, promising to push for more involvement in the future.

FIFA Fitness Instructor Cherifi Nasreddine, who also participated in the course, congratulated the referees and celebrated the achievement as a national milestone.

“This shows how far Sierra Leone has come. Everyone should be proud,” he said.

However, the praise was tempered by Tangawarima’s deeper concerns about the system. His comments highlighted long-standing issues of poor governance, a lack of accountability, and insufficient collaboration between football institutions in the country.

According to him, unless these structural problems are fixed, the progress seen on the field may not translate into lasting success.

His message was clear: Sierra Leone’s refereeing future depends not just on the talent of its officials but on the willingness of those in charge to show up, take responsibility, and invest in the development of the sport.