Published: March 17, 2025
MONROVIA – The Liberia Basketball Association (LBA) has issued a stern warning, threatening to impose bans on players, coaches, referees, table officials, club presidents, and others affiliated with the country’s basketball governing body if they participate in unauthorized tournaments nationwide.
In a statement released on Saturday, March 15, 2025, the LBA declared that all tournament organizers and founders must obtain prior approval from the association. Failure to comply will result in the event being classified as unauthorized.
As such, the LBA has stated that individuals participating in unapproved tournaments will face bans for a duration determined by its Grievance and Ethics Committee.
“By directive of the LBA president, Mr. Abraham Samukai, any player, coach, referee, table official, or team president who participates in or is involved with an unsanctioned event will face a ban from all basketball activities,” the release stated.
Speaking to The Liberian Investigator on Sunday, March 16, 2025, Calvin Diggs, Secretary General of the LBA, explained that the move aims to uphold order in the sport and ensure that all basketball activities conform to the association’s regulations and schedule.
He emphasized the need for compliance to protect the integrity of the sport and promote the growth of basketball in Liberia.
The announcement follows the recent launch of the inaugural Monrovia Madness All-Star Basketball Festival by Vision Basketball, led by Jacob Kabakollie.
The off-season tournament is scheduled to take place from April 2–6, 2025, at the Samuel Kayon Doe Gymnasium in Paynesville, with participation anticipated from ten major communities across Montserrado County.
In October 2024, the LBA criticized Mr. Kabakollie and his sports management company for representing Liberia without authorization at an African Basketball Festival in Accra, Ghana.
Although the team secured an impressive third-place finish with three wins and one loss, the LBA stated in a release that the team lacked formal endorsement from both the association and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, deeming the situation unacceptable.
Tensions have remained high following the November 2023 electoral congress, where Abraham Samukai emerged as president, narrowly defeating Jacob Kabakollie with a 26-25 vote.
Kabakollie contested the results in court, arguing that the number of votes cast exceeded the 48 delegates recorded during the roll call.
Reports suggest that the discord has persisted, with Vice Presidents for Administration and Operations, Yanquoi Borsay and Bruce Quaye, showing reluctance to collaborate with the Samukai administration. Both officials were aligned with Kabakollie’s team during the election.
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