-Daddy Brima Talks Tough
By David Jabati
“How can you disqualify a man with a clean record?” the young and dynamic President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Thomas Daddy Brima confidently asked the Ethics Committee of SLFA.
The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) finds itself embroiled in an unprecedented crisis following the controversial disqualification of its President, Thomas Daddy Brima, from the upcoming August 2n Elective Congress.
This move, executed by the Ethics Committee, not only threatens the integrity of the electoral process but also undermines the progress made under Brima’s leadership since he assumed office.
President Brima’s tenure has been marked by commendable efforts to revitalize Sierra Leonean football; efforts that have restored faith in the administration of the game, improved governance structures, and enhanced transparency within the SLFA. His bold reforms aimed at rooting out corruption and promoting accountability have been widely praised by football stakeholders both locally and internationally.
It is therefore both troubling and unjust that Brima, a transformative leader, has been sidelined through a questionable Ethics Committee decision, citing alleged document falsification and integrity failures. Such accusations, if substantiated, warrant thorough and transparent investigation. But the manner in which the disqualification was executed raises serious concerns over due process. Article 68 of the SLFA Ethics Code mandates that rulings be “properly reasoned and formally communicated,” yet Brima and his supporters have decried the decision as lacking procedural fairness.
Moreover, the subsequent suspension of the electoral process by Brima himself, pending investigations by FIFA and CAF, underscores the gravity of the irregularities alleged. The President’s call for an urgent review of the Electoral Committee’s legitimacy; pointing to breaches of SLFA statutes regarding the appointment of committee members and the conduct of necessary integrity checks; demands the attention of football’s global and continental governing bodies.
This crisis has sent ripples through the Sierra Leone football community, revealing deep fractures within its leadership. Rather than fostering unity and progress, these developments risk destabilizing the very foundations of the sport’s governance in the country.
Many football loving fans have firmly condemned the move to disqualify Thomas Daddy Brima; a leader who has demonstrated unwavering commitment to reform; without a transparent and fair process. The future of Sierra Leone football depends on upholding democratic principles and ensuring that elections are conducted with integrity and respect for established statutes.
As the nation awaits the intervention of FIFA and CAF, it is imperative that all parties prioritize the long-term interests of Sierra Leone football over narrow political maneuvers. Only through transparent dialogue and adherence to due process can the SLFA hope to emerge stronger and continue the important reforms championed by President Daddy Brima.
