Published: April 3, 2026
MONROVIA — Shaita Angels Football Club President Benita Whitney Urey has had her suspension from football reduced after appealing a five-year ban imposed by the Liberia Football Association.
The LFA Appeals Committee announced April 2, 2025, that Urey’s sanction would be reduced to three years, ruling that the original penalty was “manifestly disproportionate” for a first offense. The decision follows months of dispute and public debate over allegations of match manipulation during the 2024–25 First Division League season.
Urey was initially banned on Jan. 8, 2026, after the LFA Grievance and Disciplinary Committee found her culpable in a scheme involving irregularities in two matches: Paynesville FC vs. Freeport FC and Shaita Angels FC vs. Paynesville FC. The committee ruled that she violated Article 20 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which prohibits the manipulation of football matches and competitions.
The ruling also sanctioned Paynesville FC defender Eugene Swen, who received a two-year suspension. Eleven other Paynesville players were temporarily suspended during the investigation over allegations they accepted bribes to influence a match that ended in a 7–0 victory for Shaita Angels.
Urey rejected the findings, describing them as “false, misleading and politically motivated.” In a statement posted on her Facebook page, she alleged that the sanctions were intended to punish her for supporting football executive 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,” she wrote.
Her lawyer, Cllr. Jimmy Bombo, filed an appeal on Jan. 9, 2026, arguing that the disciplinary committee lacked jurisdiction. He contended that Urey, as president of a women’s club competing in the Women’s Upper Division, should only fall under LFA authority in matters directly involving her team or competitions in which Shaita Angels participates.
Bombo also challenged the evidence presented, which he said relied heavily on WhatsApp chat excerpts, describing it as circumstantial and speculative.
In its ruling, the Appeals Committee upheld the finding of match manipulation but reduced the sanction on the grounds of proportionality. The revised penalty bars Urey from all football-related activities and prohibits her from entering stadiums until the suspension expires.
The case has drawn attention to broader concerns about governance and consistency within Liberian football. Urey has pointed to other lopsided results during the season that did not prompt investigations, accusing the LFA of applying double standards.
For now, the Appeals Committee’s decision stands, leaving Urey sidelined until at least 2028, unless the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturns the ruling.
The case remains one of the most closely watched disciplinary disputes in Liberian football, highlighting ongoing tensions over integrity, accountability and governance in the sport.
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