John Ladu, former president of Juba Local Football Association. (Photo: Courtesy).

The president of the Juba Local Football Association has tendered his resignation from the Board of Directors of the national football-governing body SSFA amid the escalating dispute between the two federations over the Juba Stadium.

In a letter that he shared on WhatsApp, John Ladu said he has resigned on personal circumstances.

“It was my pleasure to have an opportunity of working under your leadership. Unfortunately, personal circumstances tended me to put on your table the subject matter,” partly reads the letter.

However, Ladu’s resignation came only a few days after the SSFA suspended activities of the Juba Football Association Board of Directors.

In a letter dated January 30, 2023 SSFA handed the state football body a one year suspension, barring them from exercising their authority in football activities.

The decision was taken after the JLFA allegedly failed to implement orders and directives of SSFA board of directors.

“In the exercise of powers granted to the SSFA ……….., Juba local football association board of directors members are hereby suspended from sporting activities for a period of one year, for violating article 42  part two chapter VII of the SSFA general regulations 2012 amended 2019,” read the order.

The order accused the JLFA of having described the SSFA as irrespective and irresponsible in the letter dated December 28 2022, addressed to the acting State minister of Culture,Youth, and Sport.

A fresh dispute has emerged between the rival football bodies; SSFA and JLFA over the land in South East of Juba Stadium and the ownership of Juba Stadium as well in November last year.

Later the two bodies signed a communique which was described as the roadmap to allow SSFA to continue with construction until the final solution is made.

The FIFA-funded project was expected to open next month as per the earlier schedule but with this development the opening could be postponed.