GFF Responds to Term Limit Concerns but Leaves Key Questions Unanswered

By: The Fatu Network News Desk

The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) has responded to concerns raised by Omar Jarju, President of the Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia, who warned that any move to extend Executive Board term limits would be “a fundamental reconfiguration of the power dynamics in Gambian football.”

Jarju argued that term limits help “safeguard institutions, promote good governance and ensure that football administration remains dynamic, transparent, and responsible,” while questioning “who precisely stands to gain from the amendment” at a time of public criticism over “arrays of unsuccessful projects.”

In a statement posted on Facebook, the GFF said Jarju’s article on the proposed Annual General Meeting (AGM) agenda was “both inaccurate and misleading.” The federation stated that AGM agendas are “strictly governed and provided for by the GFF Constitution” and that all agenda items are “consistently and annually disseminated to Members 14 days ahead of the AGM,” as required under Article 28.2.

The GFF also said “there were no proposals attached to the proposed agenda as distributed within the legal timeline,” arguing that this means amendments to term limits “will not be applicable during the upcoming AGM.” The federation’s response directly addresses the procedural question of whether a formal amendment has been submitted for consideration this year.

Jarju’s concerns, however, extend beyond the AGM process. His commentary focused on broader issues of governance, accountability, and public confidence in football administration, which were not part of the scope of the GFF’s statement. The federation did not indicate whether it intends to revisit term limit discussions in future cycles, nor did it comment on the wider context referenced in Jarju’s remarks, as its response was limited to clarifying the status of this year’s agenda.

The exchange has prompted stakeholders to examine both positions, with the GFF emphasising constitutional timelines and the absence of formal proposals, and Jarju raising broader questions about governance standards and institutional safeguards. While the federation rejects claims about this year’s AGM agenda, the wider conversation about football administration and long-term leadership practices remains open.

 By: The Fatu Network News Desk The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) has responded to concerns raised by Omar Jarju, President of the Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia, who warned that any move to extend Executive Board term limits would be “a fundamental reconfiguration of the power dynamics in Gambian football.” Jarju argued that term The Fatu Network