By alusinerehme.wilson@awokonewspapersl.com
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE — Sierra Leone’s top-tier football competition faces unprecedented disruption after league leaders Bhantal FC and SLFA president-owned Wilberforce FC staged a dramatic no-show for their highly anticipated match yesterday, signaling a growing revolt against football authorities.
Match officials arrived at the SLFA Academy ground on April 4 to an unsettling scene — no players, no coaches, and no match. The scheduled clash between table-toppers Bhantal (30 points) and fourth-placed Wilberforce (26 points) became the first casualty of an escalating protest by Premier League clubs.
The boycott follows Wednesday’s detention of three senior SLFA officials by the Anti-Corruption Commission:
- President Thomas Daddy Brima
- Acting General Secretary Mohamed Benson Bawoh
- Head of Finance Ibrahim Bah
The officials remain at CID headquarters for questioning regarding alleged financial mismanagement, prompting the Union of Premier League Clubs to call for immediate league suspension.
The protest movement gained momentum with:
- FC Kallon withdrawing from today’s match against Kamboi Eagles
- SLIFA FC confirming their participation freeze
- At least eight weekend fixtures now under threat
The Premier League Board’s credibility suffers after its Friday assurance that “all matches would proceed as scheduled” proved hollow. Their continued silence on potential sanctions for boycotting clubs has intensified criticism of their crisis management.
“This goes beyond personalities — it’s about safeguarding our league’s integrity,” a club executive told Awoko on condition of anonymity. Sports analysts warn the standoff could derail the entire season if not resolved urgently.
With no resolution in sight, Sierra Leone’s Premier League faces its most severe disruption in decades, leaving players, fans and sponsors in limbo. BT/5/4/2025
