Published: June 25, 2025
MONROVIA – Veteran striker Francis “Grandpa” Doe’s highly anticipated return to Liberian football has fallen apart following a salary standoff with FC Fassell, just 24 hours before his expected arrival in Monrovia.
The 39-year-old former Lone Star forward, who recently netted a brace for Ex-Selangor in a Malaysian friendly on June 21, was slated to arrive between June 24 and 25 to finalize a deal with the reigning Liberian champions. FC Fassell, gearing up for the 2025 CAF Champions League, had already secured his flight ticket in anticipation of closing the deal.
But sources close to the club told The Liberian Investigator on Tuesday that Doe abruptly pulled out of the agreement, citing inadequate communication and unresolved contract terms. Central to the breakdown was Doe’s demand for an $8,000 monthly salary — a $96,000 annual package — which insiders say far exceeds the club’s budget, especially considering FC Fassell received only $20,000 in prize money for winning the league.
In a brief phone interview, Doe confirmed his withdrawal, stating he had opted to pursue a new opportunity with Kedah FA, a top-tier Malaysian side.
“I am not coming to Liberia,” Doe said. “I have a better offer here worth around $20,000 a year.”
Though Doe has not played professionally since 2020, recent training videos and his scoring display in Malaysia had reignited hopes for a late-career revival. FC Fassell’s interest in the striker was seen by some as a bold move to inject veteran presence into their squad as they prepare for continental competition.
Others, however, questioned the wisdom of banking on a player approaching 40, especially one returning from retirement. The club has recently leaned on experienced names like Zah Rahan Krangar and Solomon Grimes to lead its title charge, making Doe’s potential signing seem like a natural extension of that strategy.
Club CEO Cassell Kuoh confirmed that Doe is still in talks with a Malaysian club but stopped short of definitively ruling out future discussions.
“Grandpa said he still has interest in playing for the club, but he’ll make his final decision in the coming days,” Kuoh told The Liberian Investigator. “We’re monitoring the situation closely and continuing our efforts to bolster the squad for the Champions League.”
With the deal now in limbo, FC Fassell’s focus turns to finding alternative reinforcements as they prepare for their return to African club competition.
Discussion about this post