By Bei Santigie T Kamara
Freetown – Sierra Leone’s football governance has been rocked by allegations of corruption involving the President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Thomas Daddy Brima. The embattled SLFA boss is under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for allegedly diverting $720,144 meant for football development into his personal bank account without proper documentation or accountability.
ACC Investigation Uncovers Financial Irregularities
ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala disclosed that a review of SLFA’s USD bank statements from Commerce Mortgage Bank and Union Trust Bank, spanning June 25, 2021, to July 12, 2024, revealed that Brima personally received $720,144 from the Federation’s account without credible justification. Additionally, Leones transfers totaling Le 498,200 were funneled into Brima’s personal accounts during a period lacking formal documentation from SLFA Finance Officer Ibrahim Bah.
The ACC described the scheme as “the most suspicious and controversial pre-financing and reimbursement arrangement” ever uncovered in Sierra Leone football.
Arrest and Bail
Brima was arrested on Thursday, April 3, 2025, and spent the night in ACC custody. He was granted bail the following day under the condition that he would chair the long-awaited SLFA Ordinary Congress scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025.
Controversial Walkout at Ordinary Congress
Despite assurances, Brima attended the SLFA Ordinary Congress at Radisson Blu Hotel for only two minutes before abruptly leaving, citing “insecurity.” His departure, in the presence of FIFA and CAF representatives, SLFA Executive Members, and delegates, has been widely criticized as a deliberate act to avoid accountability.
Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Sylvester Koroma of the Sierra Leone Police refuted Brima’s claims of insecurity, stating that adequate security measures were in place. “If anyone says they felt insecure, I don’t understand their interpretation of insecurity,” Koroma said during an interview with Radio Democracy 98.1 FM.
Koroma further noted that Brima arrived with a large crowd of supporters, none of whom provided a list of authorized attendees for the Congress.
Impact on Sierra Leone Football
The collapse of the Ordinary Congress has plunged Sierra Leone’s football governance into disarray. The Congress was expected to address critical issues, including preparations for SLFA elections in June 2025 and the establishment of judicial bodies. Stakeholders and FIFA/CAF observers were left in disbelief as proceedings were abandoned without explanation.
Brima failed to return to the Congress or communicate with delegates, despite the full Executive Committee being present and ready to proceed.
Brima’s Statement
Following his release, Brima issued a statement maintaining his innocence and urging the ACC to conduct a transparent investigation. “I encourage the Commissioners to do their utmost best in proving their claims,” Brima said. He emphasized his commitment to football development and transparency during his tenure, stating, “Let justice be done. Football must develop in Sierra Leone.”