By Alpha Barrie

Former Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) presidential candidate and football administrator Rodney Michael has rejected what he describes as an alleged attempt by the football governing body to remove him as a board member of the African Clubs Association (ACA).

Michael made the statement on Tuesday in a post on social media, where he challenged what he described as an effort to interfere with the independence of the continental body representing African football clubs.

According to Michael, the African Clubs Association operates as an independent organization and is not subject to the control or interference of FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), or national football associations.

He explained that members of the ACA board are elected and replaced by clubs within their respective zones or sub-regions during a General Assembly.

Michael further stated that only clubs that are fully paid-up members of the association are eligible to participate in the General Assembly and take part in decisions concerning the organization’s leadership.

The former SLFA presidential candidate claimed that he had been informed that, acting on the alleged mandate of SLFA President Babadi Kamara, SLFA General Secretary Mohamed Benson Bawoh had sought to withdraw him from his position as the board member representing clubs from the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone A.

“I wish to clarify that I remain a board member,” Michael stated, insisting that any attempt by the SLFA to remove him from the position would amount to interference in the affairs and independence of the African Clubs Association.

His comments have brought renewed attention to the relationship between national football associations and independent regional and continental football structures, particularly regarding the authority to appoint or remove representatives serving on such bodies.

Michael’s claims, however, represent his position on the matter, and no response from the SLFA or its officials was included in his statement.

The issue could now draw further attention if the parties involved seek clarification through the ACA’s established governance structures or its General Assembly.