Published: September 16, 2026
MONROVIA — The Sports Writers Association of Liberia has strongly condemned what it described as a profane and unacceptable verbal attack by Liberian international footballer Mohammed Kamara against sports journalist Fatumatta J. Barry.
SWAL said Kamara directed profane and insulting remarks at Barry after she criticized his late withdrawal from the national team ahead of Liberia’s international engagements.
In a statement Tuesday, the association said Kamara’s conduct was particularly troubling because he represents Liberia internationally.
“While SWAL recognizes that Kamara may have felt provoked or disagreed with the journalist’s criticism, disagreement does not justify insults, profanity or personal attacks against members of the media,” the association said.
SWAL stressed that public scrutiny and criticism are an integral part of professional football, with players, coaches, administrators and other public figures regularly facing questions and opinions from journalists and fans.
The association said disagreements should be handled through responsible dialogue rather than abusive or threatening language.
SWAL also raised concerns over Kamara’s repeated withdrawals from national team engagements, particularly at critical points in Liberia’s international football calendar.
The association said the withdrawals have frustrated football fans and stakeholders and raised legitimate questions that journalists have a professional responsibility to report and discuss.
“SWAL will not tolerate the intimidation, harassment or verbal abuse of journalists for performing their professional duties,” the statement said.
The association is therefore demanding an immediate and public apology from Kamara to Barry and the wider Liberian sports community over his conduct.
SWAL also said it has formally communicated its concerns to the Liberia Football Association and expects the governing body to take the matter seriously.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights, dignity and professional independence of Liberian sports journalists while encouraging responsible engagement among journalists, athletes, coaches, administrators and other football stakeholders.
The dispute comes as Liberia prepares for key international fixtures, putting renewed attention on the relationship between the national team and the local sports media.
Discussion about this post