After being exonerated by the Sierra Leone Football Association Ethics Committee, on an allegation of match fixing, the Presidential Aspirant of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Rodney Michael, has stated that justice has won the battle over injustice; inhumanity and impunity have failed.
Prominent football philanthropist and seasoned administrator, who was suspended from all football activities, along with 14 other football administrators, officials and players, has been cleared, along six others, of match-fixing following a lengthy investigation.
On the issue of being exonerated by the Sierra Leone Football Association Ethics Committee, on an allegation of match fixing, he commenced by intimating that, in July 2014, he was suspended from all football activities, along with 14 other football administrators, officials and players.
In his statement, regarding him being cleared of the match fixing allegation, Michael said, from the onset, he professed his innocence and fought hard to clear his name and restore his integrity. According to him, the suspension had no basis in law nor in fact.
Rodney reiterated that, for over 6 years, he remained suspended for allegations without any hearing, correspondence or query.
“My family and I were subjected to humiliation and embarrassment, and our family reputation was tarnished beyond repair, but I was always confident that in the end the truth will be revealed and justice served,” the SLFA’s Presidential hopeful continued.
“In spite of the damage to my reputation and that of our family, and the fact that we reserve the right to seek redress, we have opted at this time to welcome and appreciate the decision, and celebrate the fact that justice has been served.
He added: “We are grateful to God Almighty for giving us the strength to absorb the pressure and persevere in the fight against victimization.”
“We thank the people of Sierra Leone who have always believed in my innocence and supported me right through the years. Your love and trust in me gave me the courage to continue the fight and today we have won the battle for justice.”
“We thank the newly constituted Sierra Leone Football Association Ethics Committee, chaired by Mr. Drucil Taylor, for the verdict that reads, “These persons are therefore unequivocally discharged of all match fixing allegations against them by the Ministry of Sports and the Sierra Leone Football Association.”
“I thank my family for always standing by me, especially when their names were dragged to the gutter as well, and they were unfairly humiliated and molested for my sake and my ambition to lead the Sierra Leone Football Association. They were my shoulder to cry on and the strength I needed to survive the injustice.”
Rodney also reassured the nation that he have always and will continue to condemn all forms of match manipulation and illegality in football. “Let me congratulate the others who have also been cleared from all allegations and pray that all remaining match fixing investigations will soon be concluded in the interest of justice and fairness,” the CEO of Edmond Michael Foundation said.