International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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An Analysis of Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Referees’ Performance in the Sierra Leone Premier League

Author(s) Mr. Christian Gendemeh, DR ALPHA BASSIE MANSARAY, JOSEPHINEMASSAH JIBILA, IBRAHIM SORIBA, OSMAN SESAY
Country India
Abstract ABSTRACT
Background: Referees play a vital role in ensuring fairness, integrity, and credibility in football competitions. In the Sierra Leone Premier League (SLPL), however, persistent allegations of bribery, bias, and political interference have raised concerns about declining officiating standards. Stakeholders’ perceptions of refereeing integrity, decision accuracy, fitness, confidence, external influence, and training are essential in understanding the credibility of the league and informing policy reforms.
Methodology: A descriptive quantitative research design was adopted using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire administered to 500 stakeholders, including fans, players, coaches, referees, and club officials, drawn from all five regions of Sierra Leone. Data were analyzed using SPSS (v.22) to generate descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), chi-square tests, correlations, and multiple regression. Reliability testing yielded Cronbach’s alpha values above 0.70, indicating high internal consistency.
Results: Findings revealed a predominantly male sample (74%) with diverse stakeholder and regional representation. The overall mean score for referees’ performance was 2.6, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction. Stakeholders perceived referees as biased (M = 4.2), susceptible to bribery (M = 4.1), and lacking fairness (M = 2.1). Decision accuracy (M = 2.3) and consistency (M = 2.5) were rated poorly, while perceptions of fitness (M = 3.0) and confidence (M = 3.1) were neutral. External influence from clubs and politicians was strongly perceived (M = 4.0; M = 3.9), and training and support from the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) were rated inadequate (M = 2.0–2.2). Regression analysis indicated referee integrity (β = –0.41) and external influence (β = –0.26) negatively predicted perceptions of performance, while decision accuracy, training, and confidence contributed positively.
Conclusion: The study highlights critical challenges in refereeing within the SLPL, particularly concerning integrity, external interference, and insufficient training support. These issues undermine stakeholder trust and threaten the league’s credibility. Strengthening referee education, enhancing transparency, and insulating officiating from political and organizational interference are necessary reforms to restore confidence and promote the professionalization of football in Sierra Leone.
Keywords Keywords: Refereeing standards, stakeholders’ perceptions, Sierra Leone Premier League, integrity, officiating performance, external influence, training and development.
Field Sociology > Sports
Published In Volume 7, Issue 5, September-October 2025
Published On 2025-09-05
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i05.55116
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