ASM:. With the African Nations Cup in progress, how do you feel, watching it and realising the fact that Leone Stars are not represented?
RM: First of all I would say the quality on show at the African Nations cup could have been better. I believe we have the quality for such a tournament and had we prepared well, and avoided the conflict and infighting between the Ministry and the FA, we could have made it.
ASM: What do you think football authorities could have done differently to enhance Leone Stars’ qualification for the AFCON?
RM: Let us first determine if as a Nation we should have participated at a time our brothers and sisters were dying of the deadly Ebola virus.
I don't think so and to be honest I would have discouraged participation and I made that known to everyone in a series of interviews and commentaries on social sites.
So for me we should have taken the option of withdrawal..
ASM: Finally Mr. Michael, recently, the social medial was furnished with a story of match fixing relating to a Sierra Leonean footballer plying his trade in Holland. How will you explain any involvement you may have with a betting company to such a syndicate? (I.E Don’t you think your relationship with Mercury International will continue to cast dark clouds over your bid for the SLFA Presidency?}
RM: (1) FIFA has made it clear that they have no case against the said player warranting a suspension and have cleared him to continue playing.
So he remains innocent until proven guilty.
2) it is not common for betting companies to fix matches. It is usually betting syndicates that fix matches. There is a massive difference there.
3) What would a betting company gain to fix a match it does not have betting options on?
4) why should a working relationship as a consultant have an effect on a candidacy based on the assumption of impropriety without evidence of such impropriety? The question should be asked in what way such a relationship may compromise the role of the Presidency and if it would in any way, then article 19 of the code of ethics makes it clear that a declaration is all the is required.
Now if the English FA were to assume impropriety under such arguments, then it would not allow Peter Coates to own the majority shares of Stoke City and yet his
So as much as some may want to use it against me, yet I don't see the reason why when one compares to other countries especially better structured countries in the West. family owns the betting company Bet365.
Why has that link not cast any doubt over Peter Coates, who is obviously in a better and easier position to influence matches as his company offers betting options on matches and competitions his club takes part in?
The Code of ethics is there as a guide and It is for each FA to determine its suitability within its locality. The English FA has not seen any reason to deprive