The Western Area Football Association (WAFA) has suspended the COFA Inter-Community League indefinitely following violent clashes that reportedly left three people dead in Kroo Town Road on Sunday, 13th September 2026.
In a statement signed by Admin Secretary James Sanu Esq., WAFA said the suspension takes effect immediately.
The decision comes after a match on Saturday between Kossoh Tong and Kroo Town Road FC sparked tensions that escalated the following day.
Reports from local media say supporters of Kroo Town Road FC allegedly targeted the Wellington Street office of APC flagbearer aspirant Sheik Alhaji Mohamed Kamara, popularly known as “Jagaban”, after their team’s defeat.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that youths clashed with police, who responded with tear gas and live ammunition. One woman, identified as Emma, was reportedly killed inside a cookery shop after being struck by a live bullet. There are also unconfirmed reports of two other deaths linked to tear gas exposure. Houses were also said to have caught fire during the unrest.
WAFA described the events as “a serious affront to football, public order and the safety of persons and property.”
“Football must never be permitted to become a catalyst for violence or a platform for reprisal,” the statement read.
The association said it will conduct a thorough investigation and take “appropriate regulatory and disciplinary measures.”
WAFA also noted that COFA had postponed the Kroobay Community vs Fourah Bay fixture, but said that single action was “wholly insufficient” given the gravity of the situation.
“Until otherwise directed by WAFA formally, no COFA fixture shall be played,” WAFA added.
The association called on players, officials and community stakeholders to “remain calm and exercise restraint,” stressing that “the sanctity of human life takes precedence over football.”
The COFA Inter-Community League has been running for over 30 years and is one of Freetown’s largest grassroots competitions. The 2026 edition was branded “Say No to Drugs and Say No to Violence”, with the champions set to receive NLe 110,000.
Violence at community leagues is not new. Commentators have previously raised concerns about poor security, lack of registration with WAFA, and the participation of Premier League players in community games. In 2013, WAFA banned another inter-community league after two deaths.
WAFA is the governing body for football in the Western Area and operates from 19 Hennessy Street, Kingtom, Freetown.
The association said further updates will be issued after investigations are concluded.
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