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The legal battle surrounding the August 2025 Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) presidential election has entered a new phase, as proceedings involving former presidential candidate Aminata Bangura continued at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Tuesday, January 21, 2026.
According to a report from popular female sports journalist Hawa Dauda, the matter stemming from Bangura’s challenge to the SLFA electoral process has now formally proceeded at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with both parties presenting evidence and witness testimonies before the panel.
The case follows Bangura’s earlier disqualification by the SLFA Electoral Commission, a decision that was temporarily overturned by CAS, allowing her to participate in the August election while the matter remained pending.
Despite her reinstatement, Bangura suffered a decisive defeat at the SLFA Congress. Out of 55 voting delegates, incumbent Thomas Daddy Brima (Babadi) secured 43 votes, while Bangura received 11 votes, with one abstention. The election was closely monitored by both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which later issued formal congratulations to Babadi and his newly elected executive, effectively recognising the legitimacy of his presidency.
Sources confirm that Bangura has now lodged a second active case before CAS. The first relates to her initial disqualification, for which a provisional ruling was granted. The second challenges the outcome of the August election itself, despite the overwhelming margin by which she lost.
Observers within football circles say Bangura’s advisers are urging her to continue pursuing the case. However, analysts argue that the legal challenge faces steep odds and may ultimately result in significant financial cost without altering the outcome.
Under Article 55 of the SLFA Electoral Code, decisions of the Electoral Committee are deemed final and binding, unless proven to violate SLFA statutes or FIFA and CAF regulations. CAS can only intervene if such violations are established and shown to have materially affected the complainant.
Given the international endorsement of Babadi’s leadership, combined with the transparency of the electoral process and the scale of the vote margin, football analysts believe Bangura faces an uphill task in convincing CAS to overturn the Congress decision.
Her case now hinges on demonstrating that the election process itself breached binding statutes—a challenge many believe will be difficult to sustain in light of both domestic and international validation of the results.
As proceedings continue, the SLFA leadership remains in place, with Babadi’s administration moving forward amid strong backing from global football governing bodies.
