Published: July 11, 2025
MONROVIA — The second edition of the Caresyburg International Cup, an offseason football tournament hosted by Shaita Angels Football Club, has been canceled due to scheduling conflicts with the Liberia Football Association.
Shaita Angels CEO Benita Urey announced the cancellation on Intel Sports on July 9, saying the tournament, originally scheduled for August, will not proceed after the LFA declined to make playing fields available, citing prior engagements.
“We began preparations as early as April, but we were later informed that pitches across the country would be reserved for other events, including the district league, Bettomax Liberia Cup, and an international under-17 tournament,” Urey said.
Urey expressed disappointment over the decision, noting that this year’s edition was expected to be the biggest yet, with both male and female teams from across West Africa.
“We intended to increase the prize money and promote women’s football through this tournament,” she said. “Unfortunately, the LFA has turned us down indirectly.”
She also criticized the LFA for prioritizing another company’s tournament, which she said has yet to present a confirmed date, over the Caresyburg Cup.
“I love what Bettomax is doing, but the Caresyburg International Cup was poised to offer more in cash rewards than even the Orange Cup,” Urey said.
When contacted, LFA media manager Anthony Kokoi confirmed Urey’s claims, saying the association’s schedule was already full.
“Our schedule is packed with tournaments. We can’t just make fields available on demand,” Kokoi told The Liberian Investigator.
The Caresyburg International Cup was launched in 2024, with its first edition held in Kenema, Sierra Leone. It featured six clubs — five from Sierra Leone and one from Liberia — and was sponsored by Bettomax and New Energy Electric Vehicle.
Shaita Angels won the inaugural edition, earning $1,000, a trophy, and medals.
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