Published: January 12, 2026
By Thomas Kojo Roulhac
MONROVIA — Shaita Angels Chief Executive Officer Benita Whitney Urey has appealed a five-year ban imposed by the Liberia Football Association (LFA), arguing that the body’s disciplinary committee acted beyond its legal authority and failed to establish evidence of match manipulation.
Urey was sanctioned on Jan. 8 by the LFA’s Grievance and Disciplinary Committee for her alleged involvement in a match-fixing scheme during the 2024–25 First Division League season. The committee cited irregularities in two fixtures — Paynesville FC vs. Freeport FC and Shaita Angels FC vs. Paynesville FC — and ruled that Urey violated Article 20 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which prohibits manipulation of football matches and competitions.
In a statement issued hours after the ruling, Urey rejected the findings, describing them as “false, misleading and politically motivated.” She alleged the sanctions were retaliation for her political support of Cassell A. Kuoh’s presidential bid.
“There is no proof, no evidence, and not a single individual has come forward to say I ever gave them money,” Urey said. She also denied ever communicating with any Paynesville FC player regarding match manipulation.
Urey said she would pursue both an internal appeal and legal action to defend her reputation, accusing the LFA of selective enforcement. She cited past lopsided match results that did not trigger investigations.
“When LISCR FC defeated Shaita FC 6-1, there were no calls for match-fixing investigations,” she said. “When LISCR lost to Freeport FC to save them from relegation, there were no investigations either.”
On Jan. 9, Urey’s lawyer, Cllr. Jimmy Bombo, formally filed an appeal, arguing that the Grievance and Disciplinary Committee lacked jurisdiction over the matter. He contended that Urey, as president of a women’s club competing in the Women’s Upper Division, falls under LFA authority only in matters directly involving her team or competitions in which Shaita Angels participates.
“The decision identifies no act, omission, agreement or inducement attributable to the appellant in her capacity as club president,” Bombo said, describing the ruling as ultra vires — beyond the committee’s lawful authority — and therefore void.
Bombo further criticized the evidence relied upon by the committee, saying it consisted largely of WhatsApp chat excerpts and speculation based on Urey’s name appearing in group conversations. He cited precedents from the Court of Arbitration for Sport that require credible, direct proof linking an accused individual to match manipulation.
“The committee’s decision sanctions a person who was neither properly charged, nor proven culpable, nor subject to lawful disciplinary jurisdiction,” he said. “It cannot be allowed to stand.”
In a statement issued last week, the LFA said the sanctions reflect its commitment to integrity, transparency and fair play, warning that match manipulation remains among the most serious offenses in football.
The association said it would continue enforcing disciplinary measures to safeguard the credibility of Liberian football.
Discussion about this post