The much-anticipated Ordinary Congress of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) was abruptly postponed on April 5, 2025, after President Thomas Daddy Brima left the venue without notifying delegates.
A scheduled routine gathering of the country football leadership descended into chaos on Saturday, forcing the abrupt cancellation of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Ordinary Congress at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel.
The meeting was marred by violence and disorder when unidentified assailants deployed pepper spray against SLFA President Thomas Daddy Brima and other officials. Witnesses reported scenes of intimidation and physical altercations that overwhelmed the police personnel present at the venue.
“No arrests have been made despite these attacks,” a senior SLFA official confirmed. “This was clearly organized to disrupt our democratic processes.”
Faced with escalating tensions and the unfolding violence, President Brima made the decision to suspend the congress entirely. “The lives of our football family come first,” he stated before leaving the premises. “Football should never be a matter of life and death. We won’t risk anyone’s safety for a meeting.”
Following the president’s departure, remaining executive members convened an emergency session with the acting General Secretary.
However, proceedings came to an unexpected halt when SLFA Vice President 1, Harold Nat-Johnson, announced that the meeting could not continue in Brima’s absence.
Citing Article 37.3 of the SLFA Statute, Nat-Johnson explained that only the President has the authority to convene Congress, making it legally invalid without him.
Over 35 of the 57 accredited delegates had already registered when the disruption occurred. SLFA Vice President 2, Alie Badara Tarawalie, revealed that efforts to reach Brima were unsuccessful.
He urged the President to reconvene the meeting within 24 hours, as permitted by the statutes, but no official response was issued. Brima reportedly cited security concerns for his sudden departure, though the Sierra Leone Police refuted this, asserting that adequate security measures were in place.
Frustration among delegates was evident, with Kailahun District FA Chairman Foday Anthony and Luawa FC representative Mohamed Sesay demanding immediate adherence to due process. Some delegates warned of potential legal action if the situation is not swiftly resolved.
The SLFA Executive Committee has assured stakeholders that a new date for the Congress will be announced soon.
The incident has raised serious questions about the security and stability within Sierra Leonean football administration. Investigations into the violent disruption are expected to follow.
