The much-anticipated Ordinary Congress of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), which was scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025, ended in disarray after SLFA President Thomas Daddy Brima abruptly walked out of the venue, prompting the suspension of proceedings.
The Congress, meant to approve revised football statutes and elect key independent committees for the next four years, was dramatically halted after an incident involving unidentified individuals who allegedly released pepper spray, reportedly targeting the SLFA President and other officials. Following the disturbance, Thomas Daddy Brima left the premises without formally informing the delegates. His exit forced the Congress to be suspended, with him citing security concerns and stating, “The lives of our football family come first.”
Over 30 of the 57 expected delegates had already arrived and registered when the disruption occurred. SLFA Vice President 1, Harold Nat-Johnson, subsequently announced the postponement of the Congress, referencing Article 37.3 of the SLFA Statute, which confers sole authority to convene Congress on the President. Without Thomas Daddy Brima’s presence, he explained, the meeting could not legally proceed. FIFA has reportedly been informed of the development.
However, Vice President 2, Alie Badara Tarawallie, disclosed that attempts to reach President Thomas Daddy Brima after his departure were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector General of Police contradicted Thomas Daddy Brima’s claim of insecurity, asserting that adequate security measures had been implemented to protect all attendees.
Delegates such as Foday Anthony and Mohamed Sesay expressed outrage and demanded that the Executive reconvene the Congress within 24 hours, as provided for in the SLFA’s governing rules. They warned that failure to do so could result in legal action to uphold statutory procedures.
The aborted Congress was expected to finalize appointments to vital SLFA bodies, including the Ethics Board, the Appeals and Disciplinary Committees and a newly proposed Audit and Compliance Committee. It also aimed to approve the annual audit report and budget for the upcoming year.
Tensions at the Congress venue escalated even before the opening session. Multiple reports indicate that the SLFA President’s Personal Assistant, David Turner, was among several individuals injured in the chaos. Observers from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), who were present to witness the proceedings, reportedly documented the violence and scenes of confusion, which are being described as unprecedented in the history of Sierra Leonean sports governance.
Widespread condemnation has followed, with both local football stakeholders and international analysts decrying the behavior of delegates, political interference and factionalism within the SLFA’s Executive Committee. Allegations have emerged implicating some Government officials and security forces in inciting conflict to support specific candidates.
The source further revealed that FIFA may also consider one final attempt at reconvening the Congress if the situation on the ground is deemed manageable. However, due to the extent of the disruptions, it is likely that the FIFA General Secretariat will review reports from its representatives CAF, and SLFA’s General Secretary before making a final decision—expected later this week.
The fallout from Saturday’s incident has not only embarrassed the country on the global football stage but also cast a shadow over the SLFA’s ability to govern the sport effectively. For now, the football fraternity in Sierra Leone waits anxiously for FIFA’s next move, as the future of the SLFA hangs in the balance.
