Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, the CEO of Luawa FC, recently penned an emotional letter to fans in response to the Sierra Leone Football Association’s (SLFA) decision to ban the team from using their home ground in Kailahun. The ban was imposed due to a new rule mandating that all Premier League matches be played on artificial turf. Abdulai contends that this decision is unjust, particularly given a prior agreement with the league for a gradual transition.
In his heartfelt letter, Abdulai describes the team’s shock upon receiving a last-minute email instructing them to find an alternative venue with artificial turf, despite having previously hosted approved home games in Kailahun. The sudden cancellation of a match against Old Edwardians further exacerbated the situation, leaving fans and management in the dark about the reasoning behind the ban.
Abdulai criticizes the uneven distribution of FIFA-provided artificial turf, which disproportionately favored the capital city, Freetown, and other major urban centers. Unfortunately, this left Kailahun without the necessary resources to comply with the new rule. He emphasizes the importance of allowing teams to play on existing natural fields, especially when those fields have a rich history of hosting matches.
The decision not only denies Kailahun residents the opportunity to enjoy Premier League matches but also stifles football development in the region. Abdulai remains committed to bringing Luawa FC back to Kailahun, with plans to establish a football academy for the community’s youth.
His letter calls for fan unity, demanding transparency, fairness, and equal opportunities for all regions to participate in football. Abdulai urges fans to stand firm and fight for their right to play on their home turf, emphasizing the core values of integrity and fairness in football governance.
In a message of hope, the CEO encourages fans to view this setback as a rallying cry for justice and equality. He expresses unwavering confidence that Luawa FC will eventually return to playing in front of their devoted home crowd in Kailahun
