“The issues raised by GALA regarding the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) remain unresolved. Transparency is still glaringly absent, with no tangible development on the ground to reflect the millions of dalasis and foreign funds entrusted to the federation.”
The press conference was convened to respond to the various institutions that the pressure group had earlier written to. Following the submission of those institutions’ replies to their petition, the group explained that they had reviewed the responses in collaboration with their lawyers. They said this necessitated the press briefing, which was intended to inform Gambians of their position on the feedback received from the different institutions.
Omar Sanyang, the secretary general of the pressure group in a statement, said: “After reviewing both your response and the FIFA Forward Global Report (2016–2022), several key concerns remain unresolved.”
“The FIFA report confirms that The Gambia received over USD 11.4 million, including more than USD 2 million for infrastructure, USD 1.5 million for equipment, USD 1.5 million for administration and governance, and USD 4.2 million for National Teams, among other allocations.”
“These funds were intended to deliver meaningful improvements in pitches, technical centres, competitions, and club support. Yet after more than 10 years under the Kaba Bajo led administration, the actual state of football facilities across the country does not reflect these substantial investments. Most playing grounds remain in poor condition, and no major renovations or new facilities of the scale reported by FIFA can be observed.”
He added: “The report lists 5 stadium-related projects, 2 playing surfaces, 1 technical centre, and 14 pitches as either new or renovated. GALA, league clubs, regional associations, and community football structures cannot identify these projects in practice. If these works had indeed been completed, they should be visible, accessible, and widely acknowledged — yet the reality on the ground contradicts what is reported.”
Equally troubling, he went on, is the ongoing financial strain on league clubs. “Despite millions allocated to competitions and club support, the GFF still owes teams significant amounts, including transportrefunds, logistical support, and preparation funds from as far back as the 2023 season.”
This, he continued, undermines the claim that competition funds are being efficiently utilised and continues to affect the smooth running of domestic leagues.
“Our petition is rooted in the need for transparency, accountability, and alignment between funding received and real outcomes. What GALA seeks is straightforward: an independent audit of FIFA Forward funds, public disclosure of completed projects with verifiable details, verification visits to all listed project sites, immediate settlement of outstanding payments to clubs, and institutional reforms to improve governance.”
“These are not excessive demands — they are standard requirements wherever public-interest funding is involved.”
“The NSC, as the statutory oversight body, has a responsibility not to defend shortcomings but to uphold accountability, compliance, and the integrity of sports governance. We therefore urge the NSC to reconsider its stance and fully exercise its mandate in the interest of Gambian football.”
