In a formal submission to the global football body, the advocate alleges the SSFA boss is orchestrating a campaign of “constitutional violations, unethical election delays, and unlawful candidate restrictions
Renowned South Sudanese advocate and Commissioner for Oath, Musa Hussan Urbano, has filed a legal complaint against the President of the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA), Gen. Augustino Maduot Parek, accusing him of manipulating constitutional procedures to extend his grip on power.
In a formal submission to FIFA, Urbano alleges the SSFA boss is orchestrating a campaign of “constitutional violations, unethical election delays, and unlawful candidate restrictions”, warning that these actions threaten the very heart of football governance in South Sudan.
According to the complaint, General Maduot’s leadership, postponed the SSFA General Assembly from February 22 to June 30 2025, and is allegedly planning to push the elections further to August, without legal justification.
“Postponement of the General Assembly from 21st February, 2025 to June 30 2025 is not ethical to the norms of FIFA and SSFA. SSFA President was trying to manipulate the elections by influencing the football leaders to extend his term for another four years which is not right. He also wants the elections to be pushed to August 2025,” the petition read in part.
The complaint also highlights allegations of premature campaigning by the SSFA President, including the June 6 launch of a women’s football event in Bor, which the advocate claims was used as a political tool to gain support before the official campaign window.
The lawyer indicated that, Gen. Maduot has violated article 31 of the SSFA Constitution by failing to notify members 45 days in advance, not submitting constitutional amendments 30 days before the assembly and ignoring transparency requirements to share financial and activity reports at least a week prior to the assembly.
Such moves, he said “reflect a lack of transparency and honesty,” raising questions about whether the General Assembly is being used to secure power instead of serve the sport.
A major flashpoint in the complaint is a controversial amendment that would require all presidential candidates to be seconded by six local football associations a rule critics say was designed to “shut the door on challengers.”
“This is an unlawful act by the current leadership to create a law that will intimidate the delegates to choose a leader that they want, to lead the association,” Urbano argued.
In his appeal to FIFA, the advocate has formally called on FIFA to cancel all unconstitutional amendments proposed by SSFA. And, postpone the General Assembly until an independent investigation is completed, as well as audit the SSFA leadership for possible ethical violations and misuse of authority.
“We urge the leadership of FIFA to look in the matter through promoting good governance in football and developing the game worldwide,” noted the advocate. By Emmanuel Mandella, ICRC
