Published: January 21, 2025
MONROVIA — Defending football champions River Gee County have been fined three thousand United States dollars (US$3,000) for abandoning their final group stage match in the National County Sports Meet.
River Gee walked off the pitch during their last preliminary match against Grand Cape Mount on Saturday, January 18, 2024, at the Momo Taweh Sports Stadium in Robertsport, citing claims of being cheated.
The controversy erupted when a River Gee player was booked for a foul in the 18-yard box, prompting the team to leave the game without filing any formal complaint.
According to a statement released on Monday, January 20, 2025, by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the team’s action violates Article 19, Section 19.2 of the rules governing the National County Sports Meet. The rule states:
“Any county which refuses to play or withdraws from a scheduled game without the consent of the Organizing Committee shall be fined Three Thousand United States Dollars (US$3,000) to be deducted from the county’s next year preparatory funds in addition to forfeiture of the match.”
In the statement, the Chairman of the Steering Committee, Cllr. J. Cole Bangalu, condemned River Gee’s actions, noting that such behavior undermines the County Meet’s true purpose—promoting peace and unity through sports.
Cllr. Bangalu confirmed that as a result of their actions, River Gee forfeited the three points to Grand Cape Mount. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the spirit of the competition, which centers on peace, reconciliation, and national unity.
“The spirit of this competition is peace, reconciliation, and oneness for Liberia. As such, we must act accordingly regardless of the challenges,” the Steering Committee Chairman stressed.
Cllr. Bangalu urged the River Gee County Sports Steering Committee to acknowledge the violation and take necessary steps to ensure compliance with the rules in future competitions.
“We must always discourage actions that are detrimental to the spirit of the game and the reputation of the competition as a whole,” he concluded.
Following the incident, center referee Morris Allison and his team of officials were escorted off the pitch under heavy security as they faced boos from fans believed to be River Gee supporters.
The National County Sports Meet has seen similar incidents in recent years. Last year, a quarterfinal pairing between Grand Gedeh and Nimba Counties ended with property vandalization, highlighting recurring issues in maintaining discipline and sportsmanship in the competition.
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