Bong County in danger as Bassa files protest against Bomi

Published: January 20, 2025

MONROVIA – Bong County risks missing out on the quarterfinals of the National County Sports Meet if Grand Bassa County wins its protest filed against Bomi County.

The protest was filed after Bassa held Bomi to a controversial 1-1 draw on Saturday at the Nancy B. Doe Stadium in Kakata, Margibi County.

In the complaint, Bassa alleged that Bomi violated the rules and regulations of the National County Sports Meet by using four first-division players. Article XI, Section 13.13 of the 2024–2025 NCSM rules states: “Only three first-division players and three second-division players are allowed to participate on each team.”

Bassa claimed that the issue was raised with the match officials before the game kicked off, yet Bomi still fielded the players in question. According to Bassa, Bomi featured Sekou Kamara of first-division club FC Fassell and Edwin Wonpia, who were not properly registered on the players’ roster or approved by the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the match.

“These players were considered illegal by the match commissioner and officiating team, and therefore were denied inspection but were later seen playing on the field for Bomi,” the protest read.

Bassa is requesting the organizers to award them the full three points, stating: “Given that Bomi County knowingly fielded illegal players, and the game was stopped and restarted due to this violation, we respectfully request that the points for this match be awarded to Grand Bassa County, as the rules of fair play and proper registration were not upheld.”

Meanwhile, Bomi County has admitted to featuring the players but explained that they had written to the Ministry of Youth and Sports to request replacements for injured defender Vamba Dorley and attacker Kelvin Konuwa. Defender Dorley sustained a leg fracture during Bomi’s 3-1 defeat to Bong County last Wednesday at the David Kuyon Stadium in Gbarnga.

“We contacted the Ministry of Youth and Sports after losing two key players and requested permission to replace them, a request the ministry accepted,” said Abdul D. Kanneh, Chairman of the Bomi County Sports Steering Committee. He added, “Prior to the match, the ministry clarified their decision to the Bassa delegation, explaining that our request had been approved.”

When contacted, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister for Sports G. Andy Quamie declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation. “There is a protest from Bassa. Let’s wait for the hearing, as any information provided here will undermine the investigation,” Minister Quamie told The Liberian Investigator.

Notably, the NCSM rules do not explicitly allow players to be registered in the middle of the tournament. However, Article XXIV, Section A states: “Matters not provided for in the rules and regulations shall be decided by the organizing committee.”

If Bassa wins the protest, Bong County, which finished second in Group A with four points from three matches, will drop out of the quarterfinals. Bassa will qualify as group winners with six points.

Other counties already qualified for the football quarterfinals include Grand Gedeh, Margibi, Nimba, Grand Cape Mount, Lofa, and Gbarpolu.