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Written by: Dawda Baldeh
As the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) elective congress approaches, campaigning for the leadership of Football House is intensifying, with competing camps presenting their plans and making their case to delegates.
A recent post published by Gamfoot alleged that “Team Kaba” and presidential candidate Col. Musa “Balla” Jammeh, popularly known as Falcon, had an unsuccessful tour of regional football associations, reacted angrily to the outcome and intended to influence the GFF Electoral Committee through bribery.
Jammeh’s camp has rejected the allegations, describing them as baseless and an attempt to damage the candidate’s reputation ahead of the election.
Setting the Record Straight
The campaign disputed claims that Jammeh and his team returned from their engagements with regional football associations angry over an unsuccessful trip.
According to the campaign, its engagements with regional football associations across the country received a constructive reception, with delegates showing interest in Jammeh’s proposals for decentralised football development, structural reforms and expanded grassroots initiatives.
The campaign also rejected allegations that Team Kaba and Team Falcons planned to bribe or improperly influence members of the GFF Electoral Committee.
It argued that accusations of attempted institutional corruption are serious and should be supported by credible evidence, warning that unsubstantiated allegations could undermine confidence in both the electoral process and the officials responsible for managing it.
The GFF Electoral Committee is responsible for overseeing the federation’s electoral process in accordance with the applicable GFF and FIFA regulations.
Col. Musa Jammeh’s Record and Platform
Col. Musa “Balla” Jammeh is a former member of the GFF Executive Committee and founder of Falcons FC, giving him experience in football administration at both club and federation levels.
His campaign says his platform focuses on maintaining progress made in Gambian football while pursuing reforms aimed at strengthening and commercialising the domestic game and improving player welfare.
The campaign has also pointed to Jammeh’s background in public service and sports administration as part of his leadership credentials, while presenting his candidacy as one focused on bringing football stakeholders from across the country together.
Jammeh’s team says its approach would combine continuity with reform, including building on achievements such as The Gambia’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifications and football infrastructure projects while addressing existing challenges within the domestic game.
A Call for Responsible Journalism and Fair Play
Jammeh’s campaign has also called for responsible reporting during the election period, arguing that allegations involving bribery, corruption or misconduct should be supported by verifiable evidence.
It maintains that the GFF election should focus primarily on the candidates’ records, experience and plans for the future of Gambian football.
The campaign says Jammeh remains focused on presenting his programme, engaging delegates and respecting the independence of the Electoral Committee as the elective congress approaches.
The allegations by Gamfoot and the response from Jammeh’s camp come as candidates intensify their efforts to secure the support of delegates who will determine the next leadership of the Gambia Football Federation.
