By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Thomas Daddy Brima, finds himself embroiled in yet another controversy—this time over allegations that he failed to support the Sierra Leone U-20 national team at the ongoing AFCON U-20 Tournament in Egypt, despite receiving government funds and personal allowances to do so.
The scandal comes just days after Brima was released on bail on Friday, April 3rd, 2025, following charges related to alleged corruption and financial mismanagement. The fresh allegations raise further questions about his leadership and commitment to national football development.
According to reliable sources within the National Sports Authority (NSA), the Ministry of Finance disbursed funds intended to cover the full delegation’s expenses for the AFCON tournament. These included travel costs, accommodations, and allowances for both players and officials, including the SLFA President himself.
However, insiders claim that Brima refused to travel unless his personal travel itinerary and full allowances were issued in advance. “He made it clear that he wouldn’t leave until everything for him personally was sorted,” one NSA official revealed under condition of anonymity. “The Ministry complied, and all his demands were met.”
Despite receiving all allowances and logistical arrangements, Brima failed to travel with the national U-20 team or join them later in Egypt. His absence has raised serious concerns among stakeholders, fans, and sports officials, particularly as presidents of other African football federations and government representatives have been seen actively supporting their teams at the tournament.
The disappointment is palpable among players and coaching staff, who feel abandoned during a crucial continental competition. “It means a lot to the players to see their leaders behind them in international tournaments. His absence sends the wrong message,” said a senior team official.
This is not the first time Brima has faced such allegations. Reports gathered by this publication suggest that he has, on several occasions, received travel allowances for international football engagements but failed to attend. These repeated absences have led to growing skepticism about his dedication to his duties and his accountability to the football community.
Critics are calling for a full investigation into both the current allegations and past incidents. “The public deserves to know what’s happening with funds allocated for national teams,” said Samuel Conteh, a civil society advocate focused on sports transparency. “If these claims are true, it’s a betrayal of trust—not just to the players, but to the entire nation.”
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has yet to comment on the latest development, but pressure is mounting for the institution to broaden its inquiry into Brima’s financial dealings as head of the SLFA.
As Sierra Leone’s U-20 team continues its campaign in Egypt with minimal official representation, the absence of their federation president casts a long shadow over what should have been a proud moment for the country’s young talents.
