Published: January 9, 2026
MONROVIA — The Liberia Football Association has banned Shaita Angels FC President Benita W. Urey from all football-related activities for five years after its Grievance and Disciplinary Committee found her culpable in a match-manipulation scheme during the 2024–25 First Division League season.
In the same ruling, the committee imposed a two-year ban on Paynesville FC player Eugene Swen for his role in the case.
In a statement released Monday, the LFA said both Urey and Swen violated Part II, Chapter 2, Article 20 (1 and 3) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which prohibits the manipulation of football matches and competitions.
Matches Under Investigation
The sanctions stem from alleged irregularities surrounding two league fixtures — Paynesville FC vs. Freeport FC and Shaita Angels FC vs. Paynesville FC — played during the current season.
According to the LFA, Urey, in her capacity as president of Shaita Angels FC, played a central role in the conspiracy. As part of the sanction, she is barred from holding any administrative or sporting role in football and prohibited from entering any stadium for five years.
Swen, who was already under suspension during the investigation, received an additional sanction bringing his total suspension to two years. He is also barred from all football-related activities and stadium access during that period.
Urey Rejects Ruling, Alleges Political Motive
In a detailed statement posted on her Facebook page shortly after the ruling, Urey categorically rejected the LFA’s findings, describing the decision as “false, misleading and politically motivated.”
“I categorically reject and denounce this claim,” Urey wrote. “This baseless accusation is clearly intended to target me because of my open support for Cassell A. Kuoh’s presidential bid.”
Urey insisted that the sanctions were based on “speculation and gossip,” arguing that no evidence was presented to support the allegations.
“There is no proof, no evidence, and not a single individual has come forward to say I ever gave them money,” she said, adding that she has never communicated with any Paynesville FC player about fixing a match.
She said she intends to appeal the decision and pursue legal action to defend her reputation and that of what she described as opposition football administrators.
“I will appeal this decision and take this case to the law to the fullest extent,” Urey said.
Claims of Double Standards
Urey also accused the LFA of selective enforcement, pointing to other lopsided results during the season 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.”
She argued that the disciplinary action exposes bias within the football governing body and vowed that Shaita Angels would oppose the current LFA leadership.
“Despite this politically driven ruling, Shaita Angels will continue to stand firm,” she said. “Liberian football urgently needs development, transparency and improvement.”
Players Suspended During Probe
The investigation also led to the suspension of 11 Paynesville FC players, including Swen, who had previously been voted the league’s Best Defender.
The other suspended players were Ayetah Yangbe, H. Dan Weah, Chris Dennis, Abraham Flomo, Prince Nagbo, Marlon R. Harris, Michael Greene, Blamo Weah, Lawrence Worgleh and Mickie Dokie.
The LFA said the players were under investigation for allegedly accepting bribes to influence the outcome of their Matchday 23 fixture against Shaita Angels FC at the SKD Practice Pitch. Shaita Angels, then battling relegation, won the match 7–0 — a result that raised suspicions due to Paynesville FC’s unusually poor performance.
In a letter addressed to Paynesville FC President Hilary Sackie, the LFA said the suspensions were precautionary and did not constitute a finding of guilt. Sackie said the club supported the investigation but acknowledged the sanctions severely affected the team.
LFA Reaffirms Integrity Drive
The LFA said the sanctions reflect its commitment to integrity, transparency and fair play, warning that match manipulation remains one of the gravest offenses in football.
The association said it would continue enforcing disciplinary measures to protect the credibility of Liberian football.
Urey, however, said the ruling would not silence her.
“I am a young woman from Careysburg, and I will continue to empower young footballers,” she wrote. “I will not be controlled or intimidated by anyone who believes football belongs to them alone.”
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