By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Thomas Daddy Brima, along with two other members of the SLFA executive, were arrested and detained Thursday, April 3, 2025, amid serious allegations of embezzling over $720,000 intended for football development in Sierra Leone.
On Friday, April 4, 2025, Anti-Corruption Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala, at a press conference at the Anti-Corruption Commission’s Integrity House in Freetown, provided updates on the ongoing investigation into the alleged corruption at SLFA. The investigation centers around the mismanagement and misappropriation of substantial funds allocated to Sierra Leone’s football sector by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
According to Commissioner Kaifala, the detained SLFA President and his two executive colleagues stand accused of embezzling over $720,000, funds which were intended for various football development programs in Sierra Leone, programs expected to promote and improve the football infrastructure, youth development, and other key aspects of the sport in the country. However, the funds were allegedly diverted for personal gain, a claim that has sent shockwaves through the football community and the public at large.
“The funds in question were provided by FIFA and CAF to enhance the development of football in Sierra Leone. However, these individuals have been implicated in misappropriating these funds for personal use, which is a clear violation of trust,” Commissioner Kaifala stated at the press conference.
In addition to the embezzlement of development funds, the Anti-Corruption Commission revealed that Brima had also allegedly claimed allowances for trips he did not attend. Such payments, according to Kaifala, were also funded by the government and the people of Sierra Leone. The misuse of such funds has raised serious concerns, with many questioning how public resources were being handled within the SLFA.
“The monies that were meant for the development of our national sport, our youth, and our football infrastructure have instead been misused for personal gain,” Kaifala added. “As public servants, these individuals are obligated to account for every penny entrusted to them by FIFA, CAF, and the people of Sierra Leone.”
Following their arrest, Thomas Daddy Brima and the two SLFA executives have been granted bail. The decision was made to allow them attend the SLFA Ordinary Congress, which is scheduled to take place on April 5, 2025, in Freetown. Despite being released on bail, the investigation into the allegations of corruption will continue, with the Anti-Corruption Commission vowing to pursue justice and accountability.
The arrest of the SLFA officials has sparked widespread outrage, particularly given the importance of football in Sierra Leone, a country where the sport is a source of national pride and unity. Many citizens, especially football fans, are disappointed by the alleged corruption, as it undermines efforts to grow the sport and provide better opportunities for young players across the nation.
The ongoing investigation is likely to have significant implications for the future of the SLFA and its leadership. As the Anti-Corruption Commission continues to probe the matter, there are growing calls for greater transparency and accountability in the management of sports funds in Sierra Leone, particularly those coming from international bodies such as FIFA and CAF.
The people of Sierra Leone are watching closely, eager to see justice served and the integrity of their national football association restored.
