The former boss of the Football Federation Samoa has filed a $390,000 lawsuit claiming her employment was unlawfully terminated following an email exchange with President Papalii Samuel Petaia.  

Galumalemana Ronna Lee was the Chief Executive Officer of Football Federation Samoa (FFS). She was appointed in February until her employment was abruptly terminated by the President, Papalii Samuel Leslie Petaia in June. 

The matter was called before the Supreme Court this week for the first time and was adjourned to allow the FFS to respond to the statement of claim. 

Galumalemana is the second CEO to take FFS to court for unlawful termination. Her predecessor Autu Andy Ripley's lawsuit is also pending. 

According to the statement of claim, around June 2024, the plaintiff exchanged email correspondence with FFS President Papalii seeking clarification on the comments made about her by the President. 

In response, the President advised her that he would conduct a review of her performance.  

As a result, the President in a letter dated 25 June 2024 terminated the C.E.O.'s employment contract with further notice that the termination was effective with payment in lieu of notice. 

According to the President’s letter, the grounds for terminating the CEO’s employment contract were her email response dated 12 June 2024 and subsequent conduct which demonstrated that the parties could not work together to achieve key objectives for FFS.  

Furthermore, it noted such conduct and behaviour fell short of the expectations of the plaintiff’s role in moving the defendant’s vision forward. 

Galumalemana upon receipt of the letter of termination was highly distressed and confused about the grounds She made attempts to meet the President for a meeting to clarify her removal through emails and letters. 

She requested an opportunity to explain and clarify her understanding and side of the story, however, there was an absence of a response from the FFS and the President. 

The former CEO was then left with no choice but to seek legal recourse asking for $390,000, her annual gross income for three years. 

Lawyer Alex Sua represented Galumalemana in court while Mauga Precious Chang is acting for FFS.