Sierra Leone Football Association Congress Abruptly Cancelled Amidst Violent Disruption

A scheduled routine gathering of Sierra Leone’s 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. Subsequently, SLFA’s Vice Presidents One and Two, Harold Nat Johnson and Alie Badara Tarawalie, officially declared the Congress cancelled. They cited security concerns and the absence of President Brima, who had boycotted the gathering following the attack, as the primary reasons for the cancellation.

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.