Sierra Leone’s Football Association (SLFA) faces renewed turmoil after its highly anticipated Ordinary Congress, scheduled for 5th April 2025, was disrupted when SLFA President Thomas Daddy Brima unexpectedly left the venue without addressing delegates.
The incident follows closely on the heels of President Brima’s release from detention by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), alongside Acting Secretary-General Mohamed Benson Bawoh and Finance Officer Ibrahim Bah, all of whom are under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for alleged financial misconduct.
Despite the presence and registration of over 30 of the 57 accredited delegates, the Congress was officially called off after Brima’s unexplained departure. SLFA Vice President 1, Harold Nat-Johnson, cited Article 37 (3) of the SLFA Statutes, which vests sole authority in the President to convene Congress. Without his presence, proceedings could not continue.
Vice President 2, Alie Badara Tarawallie, confirmed that repeated attempts to reach President Brima were unsuccessful. While Brima reportedly left the venue due to security concerns, the Assistant Inspector General of Police dismissed those claims, assuring the public that comprehensive security measures had been in place.
Several delegates, including Foday Anthony and Mohamed Sesay, expressed frustration over the collapse of the Congress and demanded that it be reconvened within 24 hours, as stipulated by the Association’s governing rules. They also warned that failure to comply with the statute could lead to legal action.
The Congress was intended to address critical matters, including the approval of revised statutes, committee confirmations, and preparations for the upcoming Elective Congress. A new date for the reconvened Congress is expected to be announced soon.
