The Minister of Sports, Augusta James-Teima, on 17th September, 2026, announced the indefinite suspension of all community and school football competitions across the Western Area of Freetown, following violence linked to football-related activities.
The directive followed an engagement between the Ministry of Sports, the National Security Coordinator and the National Sports Authority (NSA) over rising violence, loss of life and property destruction reportedly connected to tensions between the Kossoh Town and Kroo Town Road communities.
The incidents have reportedly been linked to the Central One Football Association (COFA) Community League, prompting authorities to take immediate measures to prevent further escalation.
According to the Ministry, the suspension remains in effect until further notice. However, it does not apply to informal football games played among friends purely for recreational purposes.
The development comes as the Western Area Football Association (WAFA) pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the violence, stressing that “Appropriate regulatory and disciplinary measures.” will be taken.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised over an alleged live-round firearm being discharged during the incident. Calls are mounting for the Ministry of Sports and the Sierra Leone Police to conduct a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify those responsible.
The suspension has intensified calls for stronger security measures and accountability within community football, as authorities seek to prevent football-related tensions from escalating into further violence.
The Western Area Mini Leagues Organizers Union a meeting held on 18th September 2026 they came out with a Press statement as they called for a review of the ban in light of internal mechanism being put in place to quell a repeat of such an unfortunate incident.
According to the Union their objective is not to cause a threat to the peaceful enjoyment of Football, but to use Football to promote peace and nurture young talent in Sierra Leone.