Sierra Leone bans Western Area football due to youth violence

Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Authority have imposed an immediate ban on all community and school football competitions in the Western Area, including Freetown. The decision follows a surge in youth violence and hooliganism linked to football activities, particularly those organized by the Central One Football Association (COFA).

The ban was finalized following a high-level stakeholder meeting convened by National Security Coordinator Abdulai Caulker. Authorities reported that recent clashes between rival supporters resulted in loss of life and the destruction of property valued at millions of Leones.

While officials noted that football is typically a unifying force, they stated that some youths have used the sport to cause insecurity and disrupt the lives of citizens. The directive specifies that security agencies will enforce the ban, and organizers must comply or face legal penalties. The suspension does not apply to informal football played among friends for recreational purposes.