Liberian amputee footballer denounces government’s neglect as ‘total discrimination’

Published: December 12, 2025

MONROVIA — Liberian international amputee footballer Matthew Joe has sharply criticized the Government of Liberia for what he describes as longstanding neglect and “total discrimination” against the national amputee football team, despite the team’s consistent success and international representation.

Identified as Joe and plays professional football for Pendikspor in Turkey, the player spoke Thursday with the Liberian Investigator after a video circulated widely on social media showing members of the Liberian Amputee National Team packed into a commercial bus. The footage was recorded as the team returned to Monrovia from the inaugural West African Para Games, where they earned a silver medal for Liberia.

The video sparked public sympathy and frustration, but Joe said the scene was not unusual. Instead, he described it as a reflection of years of inadequate support from the government. “This is a total discrimination to people living with disability that the Government of Liberia can’t get us a mini bus,” Joe said. “We represent this country with pride, but the way we are treated shows a lack of respect.”

He said the team’s transportation challenges go far beyond the recent incident, explaining that players are frequently transported to training sessions and matches in an old pickup truck, a situation he believes undermines the dignity of athletes who compete internationally under the Liberian flag.

According to forward, the government has repeatedly failed to provide basic logistical support, including transportation, training facilities, and equipment. He contrasted this with what he described as “massive support” given to the country’s two‑leg national football team, despite their repeated struggles in international qualifiers. “How can you say we are a national team when we do not have a better training facility and bus for our players,” he said. “We are expected to perform, but we are not given the tools to succeed.”

Joe said the lack of support has discouraged many amputee athletes, some of whom have stepped away from the sport entirely. He noted that players often receive no benefits, incentives, or long‑term support, even after years of representing Liberia in regional and global competitions. “We bring happiness to the Liberian people, but Government keeps neglecting rendering any meaningful support to us because of our condition,” he lamented, adding, “It’s painful to see players give their all for the country and still be treated like they don’t matter.”

The Liberian Amputee National Team has historically been one of the country’s most successful sporting groups, winning multiple African championships and earning international recognition. Despite this, Joe said the team continues to operate with minimal resources, relying heavily on donations, personal sacrifices, and support from private individuals.

He called on the Ministry of Youth and Sports to intervene by providing a  mini bus for the team’s transportation to games and training sessions. He said such support would significantly reduce the challenges players face and demonstrate that the government values athletes living with disabilities. “We are not asking for too much,” he said. “A mini bus will help us move safely, train properly, and represent Liberia with dignity.”

Joe said he hopes the government will finally take concrete steps to address the team’s needs and ensure that athletes with disabilities receive the same level of respect and support as other national teams.