Published: March 4, 2026
MONROVIA— The Liberia Football Association has handed down suspensions to three referees and a club official in separate incidents that have reignited debate over officiating standards and governance in Liberian football.
On Monday, March 2, 2026, the LFA announced that referees Love Whyee, David Sando and Lucia Wesley will each serve two-month suspensions from all football activities.
The decision, made in collaboration with the association’s Referees Committee, followed what the governing body described as “unprofessional handling” of a women’s league match between Small Town FC and Determine Girls on Feb. 15, 2026.
“Following performance reviews into violations of professional conduct and officiating standards, the Liberia Football Association’s Referees Committee announced the suspension of three referees,” the LFA said in a statement.
Disputed Goal Sparks Outcry
The controversy unfolded at the SKD Practice Pitch, where Determine Girls midfielder Louis Brown fired a shot that struck the goalpost and bounced back into play. The assistant referee, positioned on the goal line, did not signal a goal, and play continued with Small Town earning a corner kick.
For nearly two minutes, the decision stood. But fourth official Love Whyee, who was not in direct line with the play, instructed referee David Sando to award the goal. The reversal stunned players, coaches and fans, shifting momentum to Determine Girls, who rallied to win 3-1.
Small Town officials condemned the ruling. Melton Yoko , chairman of the LFA Montserrado County Sub-Association and CEO of Small Town FC, questioned the credibility of officiating in a Facebook post.
“What did the fourth official, who was far from the play, use to overturn the decision after such a delay? This league does not have VAR or goal-line technology. Was she relying on a camera to review the incident?” Melton wrote.
Small Town later filed a formal complaint, calling the officiating “deeply disappointing and unjust.” The club argued that the reversal disrupted the flow of the match and unfairly disadvantaged their team.
Heaven Eleven Technical Director Suspended
In a separate case, the LFA announced a four-month suspension of Melvin George, technical director of Heaven Eleven, and fined him LRD 50 for a regulatory breach during a Dec. 11, 2025, match against Watanga FC at the SKD Annex.
LFA said George forced his way into the opponents’ dressing room before kickoff, insulted match officials and threatened to assault the fourth official. The decision followed reviews of match reports and video footage.
Video of the incident circulated widely on social media. George denied the allegations December 11, telling reporters he was attacked instead.
“Let me make it very clear, I did not attack the fourth official. I was attacked by the fourth official,” George said.
George explained that the dispute began when Heaven Eleven discovered Watanga had not been registered in the system before kickoff, raising concerns about fairness. He said he entered the dressing room for inspection at the request of referee Stanley Konah Jr. and began recording the process.
George alleged he was slapped, his phone was damaged and he was verbally insulted by the match commissioner.
George Pushes Back
Following the March 2, 2026 suspension — his second in less than three years — George criticized the LFA’s disciplinary process in a WhatsApp chatroom linked to the upcoming LFA elections.
“FYI I received the suspension since last week but again didn’t get due process from those integrity icons,” George wrote. “Let Mustapha and Co enjoy their moment.”
He challenged the LFA to produce evidence that he entered the dressing room by force.
“It’s the same referee in the altercation with me they’re suspending. Same way the last time they had to revoke Moses Forkpah FIFA badge and suspended him. The system is a total mess and must be fixed,” he added.
History of Suspension
George, a former Liberian midfielder, has a history of disciplinary issues. In 2024, the LFA handed him a 15-month ban after Heaven Eleven’s 1-1 draw with Shaita at Tusa Field.
The LFA Secretariat said George violated “Chapter 4, Article 4a and b” of the 2024/25 Regulations, which mandate suspension for assaulting a match official. Reports alleged that George climbed over the inner fence, physically assaulted referee Moses Forkpah, and pursued officials to their changing room, where he attacked LFA Deputy Chief of Security Sam Boye.
The incident incited fans to throw objects at assistant referee Tracy Chayee, according to the Referees Committee.
Broader Concerns
The latest suspensions underscore persistent concerns about officiating and discipline in Liberian football. Critics say inconsistent enforcement of rules and repeated controversies have eroded confidence in the league’s governance.
For Small Town FC, the disputed goal remains a flashpoint. For Heaven Eleven, George’s repeated clashes with officials highlight deeper tensions between clubs and the LFA.
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