Nominations for the upcoming Gambia Football Federation (GFF) election, scheduled for August 29, 2026, officially closed. The GFF Electoral Committee subsequently convened a screening meeting on Friday, July 31, 2026, to review the submitted applications. This development marks a significant step in the electoral process for the federation, as candidates vie for leadership positions. The committee's review on Friday paves the way for the next stages of the election, which will determine the leadership of The Gambia's football governing body. Further announcements regarding the provisional list of nominees are anticipated following the thorough screening process undertaken by the committee.
Presidential Candidates Named
Following the full review, Sadibou Kamaso, Colonel Musa M Balla Jammeh, and Kemo Ceesay have been approved as candidates for the esteemed position of President. The rigorous screening process confirmed their eligibility to contest the top leadership role. For First Vice President, Bakary Papa Gassama, John Frank Mendy, and Muhammadou Momodou Jagana received approval, demonstrating their qualification for this key executive position. Arthur Ashcroft, Mustapha Jallow, and Bakary Bojang are among the approved candidates vying for the Position of Second Vice President, having met all the stipulated criteria. Similarly, Momodou Ceesay, Kebba Touray, and Demba Conateh are approved to contest the Third Vice President role, adding to the diverse field of candidates.
The list of approved candidates for a Retired Referee’s Representative includes Ansumana Kinteh and Hassan MS Cham, who will bring their experience to the Executive Committee. For the Ordinary Exco Member positions, Daddy Jallow, Karanlang Jatta, and Lamin Dembajang have been approved as candidates, noting their commitment to the federation's governance. In a significant move to ensure gender representation, Oumie Bittaye and Jainaba Bah are approved for Women Representative 1, while Arret Njie-Jah and Jabou Sowe are approved for Women Representative 2, ensuring female voices are strongly present in the GFF leadership.
Review Process and Rejections
The committee meticulously reviewed all nominations in accordance with the strict guidelines outlined in the Electoral Code, the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) Constitution, and the Fifa Code of Ethics. This multi-layered approach ensures transparency and fairness in the selection process. During this full review, the nomination of Lamin Camara for the position of a Retired Referee in the Executive Committee was rejected. The GFF Electoral Committee, in adherence to its procedural protocols, communicated the specific reasons for Lamin Camara's rejection directly to the member who nominated him, upholding the principle of clear and direct feedback.
Election Timeline and Next Steps
The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) Electoral Committee is scheduled to publish the provisional list of nominees on Thursday, August 1, 2026. This publication is a key step that allows all stakeholders to review the approved candidates. Following this important publication, an appeals period will open on Friday, August 2, 2026, providing candidates with a formal opportunity to challenge any decisions made during the rigorous screening process. This appeals mechanism is a vital component of ensuring a fair and just election. The final list of approved candidates, incorporating any outcomes from the appeals, will then be officially released on Tuesday, August 6, 2026. These meticulously planned steps precede the election itself, which is firmly set for August 29, 2026, to determine the new leadership of the GFF and guide the future of Gambian football.
Electoral Committee Role
The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) Electoral Committee received nominations for a total of 22 individuals across various Executive Committee positions, reflecting significant interest in leading the federation. The committee has since published the provisional list of nominated candidates, a key milestone in the electoral calendar. This publication adheres strictly to the guidelines specified in Article 12.3 of the Electoral Code, which governs the procedures for the ongoing election cycle and ensures that all processes are transparent and compliant with established regulations.