Published: April 13, 2026
MONROVIA — Shaita Angels Football Club President Benita Whitney Urey has rejected the Liberia Football Association’s decision to reduce her ban from five years to three, calling the ruling “illegal, politically motivated and a miscarriage of justice.”
The LFA Appeals Committee announced April 2 that it had reduced Urey’s suspension, ruling the original penalty was “manifestly disproportionate” for a first offense. However, it upheld findings that she was involved in match manipulation during the 2024-25 First Division League season.
In a statement released April 11, Urey dismissed the decision as cosmetic, insisting the sanction itself is unlawful. “The ban is not only illegal, but it is 100% politically motivated,” she said, denying any wrongdoing and accusing the LFA of attempting to damage her reputation.
The case centers on two matches, Paynesville FC vs. Freeport FC and Shaita Angels vs. Paynesville FC, that the LFA’s Grievance and Disciplinary Committee said were manipulated. On Jan. 8, the committee banned Urey for five years under Article 20 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which prohibits match manipulation.
The ruling also sanctioned Paynesville defender Eugene Swen with a two-year suspension, while 11 other players were temporarily suspended during the investigation. One of the matches ended in a 7-0 win for Shaita Angels, raising suspicions of bribery.
Urey denied claims she paid players to influence the outcome and accused the LFA of spreading false information. “I have never admitted to such claim,” she said, adding that the association was trying to mislead the public.
She also criticized what she described as inconsistent discipline, noting that some players linked to the case remain active while others face sanctions.
Urey further accused LFA President Mustapha Raji of bias and intimidation, and reiterated her support for FC Fassell President Cassell Kuoh’s bid for the LFA presidency.
She said she will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport with the support of Togolese consultant Mawuli Kwaku Avorgah.
“I remain committed to the growth and integrity of football in Liberia,” Urey said.
The Appeals Committee’s decision remains in effect, barring Urey from football-related activities until 2029 unless overturned by CAS. The case is expected to test governance and disciplinary standards in Liberian football.
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