By Esther Wright
Isha Johansen, President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), has been declared eligible to stand for the position of member of the FIFA Council, according to an official FIFA correspondence to Madam Johansen on Tuesday 26th January 2021.
FIFA confirmed that the incumbent SLFA President, Madam Isha Johansen, who will also be standing for a second term mandate for SLFA presidency had passed integrity test and eligible to stand for the position of member of the FIFA Council .
Madam Johansen reportedly went through a very stringent eligibility and integrity test by the independent FIFA Review Committee.
Upon receipt of the results of the integrity checks, Madam Isha Johansen, who spoke via an international media interview when asked about her reaction towards the news, said:
“I am truly humbled and excited about what the future may have in store for me and my continent in terms of global football governance.
My desire is to play a role in ensuring that our womenfolk are empowered as a force for good governance and football development,” Madam Johansen said.
Word from football stakeholders is that Madam Johansen appears confident and fit for the top international job. “This is, shall we say, a big news for Sierra Leone, a big news for Africa. It demonstrates Madam Johansen’s track record and integrity in the game. This now gives her a clear path and a chance of actually winning both in Sierra Leone and internationally,” said a football analyst.
Potential candidates for FIFA Council must pass a vetting and eligibility check by a review committee appointed by the world football body.
The FIFA Council (formerly the FIFA Executive Committee) is an institution of FIFA (the governing body of association football). It is the main decision-making body of the organisation in the intervals of FIFA Congress. The Council is a strategic body that sets the vision for FIFA and global football. The Council is led by the President of FIFA.
