By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Ordinary Congress, scheduled for April, has become the focal point of a heated controversy, as accusations of manipulation surrounding the delegates’ list have surfaced.
These allegations, if proven true, could have significant consequences for the upcoming elections and governance of football in Sierra Leone.
The accusations against SLFA President Thomas Daddy Brima are serious. Multiple sources within the football community claim that Brima has altered the official list of delegates by replacing some of the original members with individuals who are more sympathetic to his administration. According to delegates who wish to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, Brima has allegedly offered bribes to vice-chairmen of district football associations to facilitate these changes. such claims have raised alarm within the football community, particularly with those who are concerned about the integrity of the congress and the democratic processes within the SLFA.
The upcoming Ordinary Congress holds significant importance for the future of Sierra Leonean football. One of its main functions will be to select and endorse the committees responsible for overseeing the next SLFA elections, a process that directly affects the leadership of the country’s football governing body. Given the high stakes involved, any manipulation of the delegates’ list could drastically impact the electoral process and future governance.
Concerns regarding the manipulation of the delegates’ list come amid a broader context of distrust in the current administration. Many football stakeholders feel that the SLFA has been plagued by a lack of transparency and accountability under Brima’s leadership. Allegations of mismanagement and poor governance have surfaced over the years; and now, with this new controversy, the integrity of the electoral process is in question.
The accusations have sparked outrage among delegates, with many raising concerns about the fairness of the election process. Some claim that the deliberate alteration of the delegates’ list undermines the very foundation of the SLFA’s governance structure. They argue that such actions erode trust in the system and compromise the future of Sierra Leonean football. The issue has also prompted calls for transparency, with many demanding that the SLFA publicly release the official delegates’ list ahead of the congress to ensure fairness.
Attempts to reach SLFA President Thomas Daddy Brima for comment have been unsuccessful, as he has yet to respond to inquiries from the media regarding the allegations. His silence has only fueled further speculation, leaving many within the football community questioning the legitimacy of the upcoming congress and the administration’s willingness to address these serious concerns.
As the congress approaches, football stakeholders are becoming increasingly vocal in their calls for a fair and transparent process. With the credibility of the SLFA at stake, the allegations of manipulation could have lasting implications for the future leadership of Sierra Leonean football.
The situation remains fluid, and it remains to be seen whether the SLFA leadership will take concrete steps to address the concerns, or whether the controversy will continue to undermine the trust of the football community.
As the date for the congress draws near, all eyes will be on the SLFA and its leadership to see how they respond to the allegations and whether they can restore confidence in the integrity of Sierra Leone’s football governance.
