Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Newly elected Gambia Football Federation (GFF) President Kemo Ceesay has pledged to make the federation’s audited financial accounts publicly accessible as part of his commitment to greater transparency and accountability in Gambian football.
Ceesay made the pledge during an interview on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez, days after winning a closely contested GFF presidential election that brought an end to Lamin Kaba Bajo’s 12-year tenure.
A former GFF Director of Finance, Ceesay said the federation’s audited financial statements would be published on its website after they have been presented to and approved by the General Assembly.
He said his administration would ensure that the accounts are made available to football stakeholders and the wider public through the GFF website and other appropriate platforms.
“After every audit, when we present the accounts to the owners of the football federation, the General Assembly, we’ll make sure they are available on the website of the Gambia Football Federation,” Ceesay said.
Expanding the GFF’s Revenue Base
The new GFF president said the move is intended to improve public understanding of the federation’s finances and address persistent speculations surrounding funds received from international football bodies.
Ceesay acknowledged that a significant portion of the GFF’s income comes from FIFA and CAF, while locally generated revenue remains limited. He said his administration would therefore focus on identifying additional sources of income to strengthen the federation’s financial sustainability.
“We cannot only depend on FIFA and CAF support,” he said, arguing that the federation must expand its revenue base to adequately support clubs, regional football associations, and other football development programs.
Regular Engagement With Stakeholders
Ceesay also announced plans for regular engagements with football stakeholders, including club presidents, regional football associations, and allied associations.
He said such meetings would provide an opportunity to discuss the federation’s financial position, challenges, and future plans.
The new president further proposed organising a “Bantaba” involving sports journalists and other stakeholders, where questions about the federation’s operations and finances could be openly discussed.
According to Ceesay, greater communication and openness are necessary to counter speculation and misinformation about the amount of funding the GFF receives from FIFA and CAF.
His pledge on financial transparency comes as the new administration begins its four-year mandate, with promises of reforms in governance, financial management, and the development of Gambian football.
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