Rodney Michael Threatens to Quit Football Over Controversial FA Cup Final
By: Reginald Brian Ojukutu Sawyerr
Chairman of Mighty Blackpool FC, Rodney Michael, has expressed deep frustration over what he describes as unfair treatment of his club during the recent FA Cup final against East End Lions, warning that he may walk away from football altogether if such situations continue.
Speaking on the Epic Sports Show 23rd June,2026, he made the startling declaration: “If that is how they want me to leave football, I will leave football.”
The veteran football administrator, who says he has dedicated four decades of his life to the game, stressed that his comments were not made lightly.
“I have been in football for 40 years and not once have I ever criticized a referee,” Michael stated, emphasizing the seriousness of his concerns over the officiating in the FA Cup final.
Michael alleged that the officiating team deliberately worked against Mighty Blackpool during the highly contested match, claiming that crucial decisions unfairly influenced the outcome. He maintained that his club was the victim of what he described as a deliberate plot and an injustice that could not be ignored.
According to the Mighty Blackpool chairman, his long-standing involvement in football and his record of avoiding public criticism of match officials should demonstrate the gravity of the situation. He argued that the events of the FA Cup final had pushed him to speak out publicly for the first time against refereeing standards.
The comments have sparked widespread debate within Sierra Leone’s football community, with supporters and stakeholders expected to weigh in on the allegations in the coming days. Michael’s remarks have also reignited discussions about officiating standards, accountability, and confidence in the administration of football competitions in the country.
As one of the most influential figures in Sierra Leone football, Rodney Michael’s threat to leave the game could have significant implications if his concerns are not addressed by the relevant authorities.
At the time of publication, neither the match officials nor the football authorities had publicly responded to the allegations.
