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The Ministry of Sports (MOS) and the National Sports Authority (NSA) have banned all Community and School Football Competitions in the Western Area, Freetown, with immediate effect.
This decision is an outcome of a meeting of stakeholders in sporting and Youth activities held on Wednesday, 11th September 2026, at the Conference Room of the Office of National Security, summoned by the National Security Coordinator, Mr. Abdulai Caulker.
The meeting was called to address Youth violence in football activities across the country, including recent incidents of violence and hooliganism among football supporters from different communities in the Central One Football Association (COFA)-organised football competitions.
The situation escalated and resulted in the loss of life and destruction of property worth millions of Leones. The meeting later resolved the ban on community and school football activities.
“Football and Sports are generally regarded as unifying activities, but some communities and youths are using the beautiful game to cause security unrest and disrupt the normal daily activities of innocent citizens. The MOS and NSA condemn these Acts of Violence in the strongest terms and will not allow football to become a threat to National Peace and Security.”
All community and school football competitions in the Western Area are suspended until further notice. Additionally, Organisers of these competitions are strictly warned to comply with this notice.
Security Agencies will enforce this directive across the Western Area, and defaulters will face the full penalty of the Law.
Finally, the ban does not include football activities among friends for recreational purposes. The ministry calls on the Public to fully comply and prioritize Peace, Unity, and the Security of the Nation.
