Controversial goal decision sparks outcry over Small Town, Determine Girls Match

Published: February 18, 2026

Paynesville — The Liberia Football Association is facing mounting pressure after referee David Sinoe awarded a disputed goal in a women’s league match between Small Town FC and Determine Girls on Sunday, Feb. 15. Critics say the decision undermines confidence in officiating and exposes deeper flaws in league governance.

The incident occurred at the SKD Practice Pitch when a shot from Determine Girls’ Louis Brown 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 more than a minute, the initial decision stood. Nearly two minutes later, however, fourth official Love Wheyee instructed Sanoe to award the goal, despite not being in direct line with the play. The reversal stunned players, coaches and fans, shifting momentum to Determine Girls, who rallied to win 3-1.

Yoko Melton, chairman of the LFA Montserrado County Sub-Association and chief executive officer of Small Town FC, condemned the decision in a Facebook post, questioning the credibility of the league’s officiating.

“What did the fourth official, who was far from the play, use to overturn the decision after such a delay?” Melton wrote. “This league does not have VAR or goal-line technology. Was she relying on a camera to review the incident?”

Small Town FC on Monday lodged a formal complaint with the LFA, describing the officiating as “deeply disappointing and unjust.”

“The ball clearly struck the goalpost. At no point did it cross the goal line,” the club said in its letter. “It was shocking that the referee chose to rely on the fourth official’s claim, who was not in a better viewing position, over the assistant referee who was directly on the line.”

The club argued that the reversal disrupted the flow of the match and unfairly disadvantaged Small Town, costing the team a fair result. It urged the LFA to investigate the officials’ conduct, review decision-making protocols and take disciplinary action to prevent similar incidents.

The controversy has reignited debate about transparency and governance in Liberian football. Critics say officiating decisions have become recurring flashpoints, eroding trust among clubs and supporters.

Supporters and pundits note that without technology such as video assistant referees or goal-line systems, officials must rely on positioning and judgment. In this case, they argue, the assistant referee had the clearest view of the play, yet her decision was overruled by an official positioned farther away.

The LFA now faces calls to clarify its officiating protocols, ensure consistency in match decisions and reassure clubs that outcomes are determined on merit.

As debate continues, the disputed goal at the SKD Practice Pitch has become a focal point in discussions about fairness and integrity in Liberia’s women’s football league — and a test of the association’s commitment to accountability.