Published: February 25, 2026
MONROVIA — Shaita Angels Football Club Chief Executive Officer Benita Whitney Urey says her five-year suspension from football activities by the Liberia Football Association is politically motivated and stems from her decision to support an opposition candidate in the association’s upcoming elections.
In January 2026, the LFA’s Grievance and Disciplinary Committee banned Urey for five years after finding her culpable in an alleged match-manipulation scheme during the 2024-25 First Division League season.
The committee cited violations of Part II, Chapter 2, Article 20 (1 and 3) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which prohibits manipulation of football matches and competitions. The sanctions relate to alleged irregularities involving fixtures between Paynesville FC and Freeport FC, and Shaita Angels FC and Paynesville FC.
Urey has denied the allegations, describing the punishment as retaliation for withdrawing her support from LFA President Mustapha Raji and backing his challenger, Cassell Kuoh, in the April 18 elections.
“Simply because I refuse to be used as a toy, Raji and his people have resulted into banning me from football without having any evidence or just cause to ban me,” Urey wrote on Facebook on Feb. 24, 2025.
Raji has led the LFA since 2018 and is seeking another term.
Urey said her relationship with the LFA president deteriorated after she shifted political allegiance.
“Four years ago today, I attended my first congress. At that time, I wasn’t a devil,” she wrote, noting she previously attended matches freely across divisions when she supported Raji.
She further alleged that her club has not received financial subventions it is entitled to because of her political stance.
“For the fact that I support Cassell, my team is yet to receive the subvention we are entitled to despite Raji boldly lying to stakeholders last week that all checks are ready for pick up,” she stated.
Beyond the suspension, Urey also disclosed challenges she faced while seeking sponsorship for her club.
“I was sexually harassed by men just to be able to sponsor my team,” she wrote, without naming individuals or providing details. Making further clarification, Urey said she wasn’t talking about anyone in the LFA Executive Committee, but individuals
“And just for the record, I’m not talking about anybody in the EC. I’m talking about independent people who I reached out to and they behaved poorly”, she said.
Urey highlighted her personal financial commitment to Shaita Angels, stating she has invested more than $200,000 in the club since assuming leadership.
“Let me be very clear, since I came on board with Shaita Angels, I’ve spent over US$200,000 on the team and Raji’s only contribution to our team was US$200 when we won the lower league championship,” she wrote.
Urey also referenced controversy surrounding the 2023 LFA Awards, where she was accused of a conflict of interest. She said Raji publicly claimed she had recused herself from vote counting, while the awards committee chairman, Cllr. J. Cole Bangalu, maintained that no member had stepped aside.
In additional remarks posted online, Urey accused Raji of poor leadership.
“He is not a leader. He uses people and pretends like he is empowering them,” she wrote.
The LFA has not publicly responded to Urey’s latest allegations.
The dispute comes as stakeholders prepare for what is expected to be a closely contested LFA election in April, amid growing tensions within Liberian football over governance and leadership.
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