The Liberia Football Association (LFA), through its Grievance and Disciplinary Committee, has imposed a five-year ban on Shaita Angels FC President Benita W. Urey after finding her guilty of alleged involvement in match manipulation during the 2024/25 LFA First Division League season.
According to the committee, Ms. Urey’s actions violated Part II, Chapter 2, Article 20 (1 & 3) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which strictly prohibits the manipulation of football matches and competitions.
The decision followed investigations into a controversial league fixture between Shaita Angels FC and Paynesville FC, which reportedly raised serious integrity concerns and prompted further scrutiny by the FA after the game ended in 7-0 for Shaita FC.
Given Ms. Urey’s position as a club president and what the committee described as her role in the alleged conspiracy, a severe sanction was imposed.
The ruling bars her from all football-related activities, including administrative and sporting roles, for a period of five years. She is also prohibited from entering any football stadium during the duration of the suspension.
The LFA stated that the punishment underscores its commitment to upholding ethical standards and safeguarding the credibility of domestic football competitions.
However, reacting to the decision, Ms. Urey strongly denied the allegations, describing the ruling as politically motivated.
“This is a baseless accusation clearly intended to target me because of my open support for Cassell A. Kuoh’s presidential bid,” she said.
“The so-called ban is founded on mere speculation and gossip, with no proof, no evidence, and not a single individual coming forward to claim that I ever gave them money.”
Ms. Urey further maintained her innocence, insisting she has never engaged in match manipulation or communicated with any Paynesville FC player regarding fixing allegations.
“As a young woman striving to make an impact in Liberian football, I refuse to be discouraged by such unfounded allegations,” she added.
“I have never once communicated with any Paynesville FC player regarding match-fixing as claimed by the FA.”
She concluded by announcing her intention to challenge the ruling through all available channels.
“I will appeal this decision and pursue all necessary legal actions to defend my integrity and the reputation of all opposition team leaders, who have become constant targets under the current football administration.”
At the same time, the Liberia Football Association (LFA) Grievance and Disciplinary Committee has also found Paynesville FC player Eugene Swen culpable of match manipulation, following investigations into irregularities during the 2024/25 First Division League season.
Swen was cited for his involvement in matches involving Paynesville FC vs. Freeport FC and Shaita FC vs. Paynesville FC, actions which contravene Part II, Chapter 2 (20)(1 & 3) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
As a result of the findings, Swen has been banned from all football-related activities, including playing, coaching, and administrative involvement, for the period of two years.
He is also prohibited from entering football stadiums, effectively halting his professional football career for the duration of the sanction.
The LFA emphasized that players, regardless of status, will face decisive consequences if found guilty of compromising the integrity of the game, reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on match manipulation.
