The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) has responded to the Ministry of Youth and Sports following claims that the Federation prematurely announced plans to host international friendly matches at the Independence Stadium without official approval.

In a statement released on Thursday, the GFF said it was “deeply concerned” by the Ministry’s press release and insisted that it acted based on formal communication received from the National Sports Council (NSC).

According to the Federation, discussions regarding the availability of the Independence Stadium for the June FIFA international window were conducted through the usual official channels involving the NSC.

The GFF revealed that, following informal discussions in which assurances were reportedly given about the stadium’s availability, the Federation followed up with an official letter to the NSC in April 2026.

The Federation further disclosed that in a written response dated 14th May 2026 and signed by the Acting Executive Director of the NSC, the Council informed the GFF that the stadium was already reserved for the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Games scheduled from June 7 to June 13, 2026.

However, the NSC allegedly stated in the same letter that “the stadium facility can be made available to you for the proposed matches before June 7 or after the 13 June, 2026.”

The GFF said it was on the basis of that formal communication that it scheduled the proposed international friendly match against Sierra Leone for June 6, 2026, which would have been the final available date before the AUSC Games and the close of the FIFA international window.

The Federation argued that the Ministry’s claim that the GFF acted without approval “completely contradicts” the written directives issued by the NSC, which it described as the competent authority on the matter.

The statement also revealed that during a separate meeting on an unrelated issue, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry verbally informed the GFF General Secretary that the June 6 match could no longer take place because the stadium was “not ready.”

According to the Federation, this shifted the issue from one of “lack of approval” to concerns over the readiness of the facility.
The GFF reaffirmed its commitment to Gambian football and maintained that it acted with due diligence and respect for authority throughout the process.