28 March, 2008

Sheila Burke, USA

National Stadium in Disgrace

National Stadium came under the international spotlight this week when FIFA, the world’s football association banned the neglected stadium for one year. 

Although it may not be on the top of the government’s agenda for funds or repairs, this is a huge blow to the population of Sierra Leone where football detracts from the day to day problems and hardship of living in the world’s poorest country plagued by a crumbling economy, widespread corruption and poverty.

Alimu Bah, president of Sierra Leone’s Football Association stated that his hands are tied as the stadium maintenance is up to the government.  FIFA inspectors advised recommendations last year to bring to stadium up to code and the relevant information was passed along but to-date this information has fallen on deaf ears, and as a result a ban has now been put in place.

Bah says he will appeal the decision, and hopes management will fix the stadium before June 7, when the Sierra Leone Stars, are set to play Nigeria.

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