Published: January 19, 2026
MONROVIA — The Liberia Football Association has suspended three officials from Margibi County after allegations of match-fixing surfaced during the National County Sports Meet, sparking outrage among fans and calls for broader accountability.
The suspensions follow a public confession by Margibi County captain James Gbah, who told a Kakata radio station that he and others accepted $300 from Grand Kru County to deliberately play to a goalless draw in their Jan. 11 quarterfinal match. The result allowed both counties to advance to the semifinals, eliminating Grand Bassa and Montserrado.
According to Gbah, Tonny Walker, chairman of the Margibi Sports Association, and Coach Warmann Yeafapolee arranged the meeting.
He said they escorted him to meet Grand Kru officials, where the money was given.
The LFA announced the suspensions on Jan. 16, citing preliminary findings that “irregularities may have influenced the outcome” of the game. The three individuals are barred from all football-related activities nationwide, including access to match venues, pending the conclusion of a full investigation.
Officials from both counties declined to comment when contacted.
Reaction and Denial
The decision has not gone unchallenged. Abraham Willie, chairman of the Margibi Sports Steering Committee, strongly criticized the suspensions, calling them unfair and politically motivated.
Willie argued that if money changed hands, both giver and receiver should be investigated. He accused the LFA of bias, suggesting the ruling was influenced by politics, particularly the support of Cassell Kouh, a presumptive nominee for the LFA presidency who has ties to Margibi’s association.
“The decision is inimical to the people of Margibi County,” Willie said, adding that “sentiments must not be prioritized over fair play, which promotes the game.” He called on other football associations and oversight bodies to conduct their own investigations into the matter.
Ministry Steps In
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has joined the probe, signaling that Grand Kru County will also face scrutiny.
On Freedom FM’s Saturday Sports program, Minister Jeror Cole Bangalu of the ministry said match-fixing cannot occur with only one team. “We will not allow match fixing to overtake our football,” Bangalu said. “Those involved will face the full weight of the law.”
The ministry confirmed it is working closely with the LFA to ensure all parties implicated are investigated.
Fans and Fallout
The scandal has shaken confidence in the National County Sports Meet, a tournament that carries deep cultural and political significance in Liberia. For many fans, the competition is more than sport — it is a showcase of county pride and unity.
But the allegations have cast a shadow over the event. Spectators at the Jan. 11 match had already voiced suspicions, noting the lack of intensity and the seemingly deliberate pace of play. The confession by Gbah confirmed what many feared: that the game had been manipulated.
On social media, fans expressed anger and disappointment, with some calling for lifetime bans for those involved. Others worried that the scandal could undermine the credibility of the County Meet, which has long been seen as a grassroots celebration of Liberian football.
What Comes Next
The LFA has said its investigation is ongoing and that further disciplinary measures could follow. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has pledged to pursue accountability beyond Margibi, insisting that Grand Kru must also be examined.
Observers say the case could set a precedent for how Liberia handles allegations of corruption in sports. Match-fixing has been a recurring concern in African football, but rarely has it been admitted so openly by a player.
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