The Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Authority have stopped all community and school football competitions in the Western Area with immediate effect.
They took the step because of rising violence and hooliganism among young people linked to these matches. Lives have been lost and property destroyed.
Sports Minister Augusta James-Teima signed a press release on 17 September 2026 announcing the ban. It followed a meeting the day before at the Office of National Security.
National Security Coordinator Abdulai Caulker called the stakeholders together to deal with the trouble connected to football activities.
Much of the problem has come from matches organised by the Central One Football Association (COFA). Rival communities have clashed, leading to at least one death and damage worth millions of leones. One recent case happened after a match at Parade Field. The fighting spilled onto Kroo Town Road. Reports from mid-September also linked a community match there to serious unrest between Kroo Town Road and Kossoh Town residents, with one woman killed by what was described as a stray bullet and property damaged, including a SALHOC office.
The ministry said football and sports are supposed to bring people together. Instead, some communities and youths are using the game to create insecurity and disturb everyday life for peaceful citizens.
Officials made it clear they will not allow football to threaten peace and security in the country.
Here is what the ban means:
– All community and school football competitions in the Western Area are stopped until further notice.
– Anyone who organises these matches will face legal action if they ignore the order.
– Security forces will make sure the ban is respected.
– A technical committee of stakeholders will look at the rules and guidelines before the restriction can be lifted.
Friendly games among friends for fun are not affected. The ban covers only the Western Area (including Freetown). Professional leagues and national team matches continue as normal.
The ministry is asking everyone to put peace, unity and national security first.
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