-Thomas Daddy Brima
By David Jabati
The President of the Sierra Leone Football Association,Thomas Daddy Brima, has expressed his innocence and also condemned outright, the Ethics Committee for its decision to disqualify him and attempts to tarnish his character.
“Until the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS); says otherwise, I remain innocent,” Thomas Daddy Brima told The Exclusive.
yesterday.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is considered as of the highest legal authority in sport-related disputes and its decisions are final and binding.
Past Tuesday, 22 July, 20215, CAS confirmed to have acknowledged receipt of a joint petition filed by the President of SLFA and one of the presidential aspirants, Madam Aminata Bangura. “The petition, submitted by two internationally recognized sports lawyers, challenges the controversial decision made by the SLFA Ethics Committee to disqualify both Brima and Bangura from contesting the upcoming SLAFA elective congress,” excerpt of a statement by CAS states.
Speaking to The Exclusive yesterday at his SLAFA offices,Thomas Daddy Brima passionately defended his leadership and contributions to football in Sierra Leone, sharply criticizing the Ethics Committee and those attempting to undermine both his integrity and national unity.
Describing the recent actions of the Ethics Committee as “disgraceful, disgusting, shameful; and entirely unappealing,” President Brima rejected allegations that have sought to portray him as unfit to lead the local football association.
Despite rumors that were doing the rounds regarding his disqualification, Brima insisted that as a Christian and seasoned administrator, he had always believed that football advocates operate in the interest of the game, not for personal gain or self-aggrandizement. He noted that of the fifty four football association presidents across Africa, not a single one supports the Ethics Committee’s decision. Remarkably, he added, “the disqualification notice was not communicated to me directly; instead, people showed me the information on their phones.”
Brima affirmed his commitment to due process and the rules that govern the game: “I want to play by the rules. There are established procedures; not arbitrary actions. While we will pursue our proper recourse, we must not allow those who neither invest in nor truly care about football to sabotage the progress we have made,” he averred.
He went on to express deep disappointment in certain individuals he once held in high regard, saying: “I didn’t even recommend anyone to the committee; I presumed they were credible.”Brima furthered, “their first accusation was misuse of donor funds, which was absurd because SLFA has robust systems in place; financial disbursements are overseen by multiple signatories; not me alone. Then came, the allegations of a fake passport and forgery, claims the Immigration Department later debunked; even noting I hold a diplomatic passport, and finally, the claim of fingerprint fraud;another egregious error on their part.”
President Brima is seen by many to have been instrumental in advancing football in Sierra Leone, strengthening governance structures, and promoting ethical administration. Under his stewardship, the national leagues and youth development initiatives have seen renewed focus and improved organization.
He has consistently emphasised transparency and accountability in FA operations; setting standards by example and encouraging collective oversight through the Executive Committee.
Many Sierra Leoneans strongly condemn the campaign against him by certain elements within the Ethics Committee and other detractors who appear motivated by personal vendettas rather than the welfare of the sport. “Football thrives when administrators serve the people and the players; not their ambitions,” remarked the young and dynamic President of SLFA.
He furthered that efforts to erode confidence in the country’s football associations should be resisted. “Instead, all stakeholders must uphold integrity, respect the constitution of football governance, and rally behind leadership working in the nation’s best interest,” he admonished.
According to sport analyst, Brima’s steadfast commitment to football’s development, combined with his call for justice and process, deserves commendation. His critics, they insist, should be held to the same standards they demand of him which are, among other things; fairness, transparency, and genuine love for the beautiful game.
