The Ethics Board of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has imposed a one-year ban on its outgoing President, Thomas Daddy Brima, and fined him five thousand New Leones (NLe 5,000.00), following a damning investigation into allegations of forgery and misrepresentation.
This decision comes just weeks before the much-anticipated SLFA Elective Congress set for August 2, 2025, effectively disqualifying Daddy Brima from seeking re-election.
The disciplinary action stems from a formal petition filed by the Kono District Football Association, accusing him of two major infractions; the misappropriation of funds and forgery/falsification of official documents, specifically relating to conflicting information in his passports and police clearance documents.
Conflicting Birth Dates and Passport Details
During an investigative session held on July 10, 2025, the outging SLFA President was confronted with multiple copies of his passports and integrity form; documents he personally submitted and affirmed as authentic. However, the Committee uncovered a troubling inconsistency – several of Daddy Brima’s passports carried different dates of birth. Notably:
Passport No. SLD000233, ED001595, and ER264772 listed his birthdate as 26th September 1974.
Passport No. E0017004 and S001665 listed it as 26th September 1977.
Yet, his integrity form, an official SLFA document, listed it as 26th February 1974.
Despite his explanation attributing the discrepancies to a “mistake,” the Board found his defence unconvincing. Further inquiry with the Immigration Department revealed that he had submitted a birth certificate to justify a requested amendment to his passport’s date of birth; one that differs from his previously registered dates. Dr. Moses Tiffa Baio, the Chief Immigration Officer, confirmed the submission of this birth certificate but acknowledged its conflict with earlier records.
Police Clearance Controversy
Perhaps more damaging was the revelation that Thomas Daddy Brima never appeared in person for police screening; a requirement for all SLFA electoral candidates. Though he had claimed to have obtained his clearance personally, a police verification report submitted to the Committee confirmed otherwise. This mirrors an earlier case involving another disqualified candidate, Aminata Bangura, setting a consistent precedent.
Consequences and Fallout
Based on these findings, the Committee invoked Article 15(2) of the SLFA Ethics Code, which prohibits falsification of documents and misrepresentation of identity. Consequently:
Daddy Brima is banned from all football-related activities for one year.
He is fined NLe 5,000.00 (Five Thousand New Leones).
He is barred from contesting the upcoming August 2, 2025 SLFA Elective Congress.
Credit Sierra Leone Sports Page