Published: April 18, 2025
MONROVIA – Wologisi FC head coach Jasper Benfelix has been suspended by the Liberia Football Association (LFA) pending an investigation into allegations of match-fixing following a WhatsApp message he reportedly posted suggesting potential misconduct.
In the post, Coach Benfelix allegedly declared he would “do anything” to help his former club, Nimba Kwado FC, avoid relegation, particularly if the opportunity arose while he served as coach of Wologisi FC.
Weeks after the controversial post surfaced, Wologisi FC forfeited a crucial Second Division match to Nimba Kwado — a result that allowed the Nimba County-based club to escape relegation. The outcome pushed Gompa FC and Cece United into the relegation zone.
Wologisi FC, which is owned by Lofa County Senator and Chairman of the County Sports Steering Committee, Momo Cyrus, reportedly requested a postponement of the match due to their involvement in a charity event. However, the request was denied, and the club was fined L$150,000 in accordance with Chapter 3, Article 6.0 of the LFA’s rules and regulations — a fine that has since been paid.
According to the rules: “(f) if a club fails to report for or honor a match without just cause…” and “(l) besides forfeiting the match (count ‘k’) by 3 points and two goals, the club shall be fined LRD 150,000, to be paid immediately before their next match. Failure to pay would lead to automatic relegation.”
Despite the ongoing investigation, the LFA officially crowned Wologisi FC as champions of the Second Division on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, during a ceremony at the D. Tweh Sports Pitch in New Kru Town, Bushrod Island.
In a communication released Wednesday, the LFA stated: “Coach Jasper Benfelix, head coach of Second Division champions Wologisi FC, has been suspended from attending all other LFA-organized activities, effective immediately, pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation into match manipulation.”
The LFA clarified that the suspension is a precautionary measure and does not imply guilt. “We take these allegations very seriously and will take the necessary steps to ensure fairness and transparency remain at the heart of Liberian football,” the statement read.
Should Coach Benfelix be found guilty, he faces a 16-month suspension from all football-related activities in line with Chapter 3, Article 12.0 (ii & iii) of the LFA regulations. The rules state:
“Whenever the LFA or its Disciplinary Committee, Ethics Committee, or Football Integrity Division establishes that match-fixing or a match of convenience has taken place between clubs or their designees, the Committee shall impose any of the following sanctions on the club(s), official(s), or player(s) involved in the arrangement, preparation and/or playing of the fixed match:
(i) A deduction of twenty (20) points and fifteen (15) goals from the involved club(s);
(ii) A fine of LRD 400,000 by each party, to be paid within ten days upon receipt of the communication. Failure to meet the payment timeline shall result in automatic relegation;
(iii) A suspension from all football activities valid for sixteen (16) months for any actor (player or official).”
In addition to Benfelix’s case, the LFA says it has informed multiple stakeholders of broader ongoing investigations into match manipulation, inducement, bribery, and tampering with players. The inquiry spans from January 1, 2023, through April 15, 2025.
One of the most recent matches under review is last week’s fixture between Paynesville FC and Shaita FC, which ended in a shocking 7-0 victory for Shaita. The performance drew widespread criticism, with Paynesville fans demanding an internal probe into the attitude and conduct of some of the club’s players.
Paynesville FC has since launched an internal investigation and forwarded six unnamed players to the LFA for further scrutiny.
Other matches under investigation include:
- Heaven Eleven vs. FC Fassell
- Mighty Barrolle vs. Shaita FC
- Wologisi FC vs. Nimba Kwado FC
Additionally, several matches from the 2023–2024 season are also being probed, including:
- LPRC Oilers vs. NPA Anchors
- Mighty Barrolle vs. Freeport FC
- FC Kallon vs. Paynesville FC
- Nimba Kwado vs. Cece United
- The 2023–2024 LFA Annual Awards Ceremony
For the last four consecutive seasons, Liberia’s national league has been plagued by allegations of match-fixing, particularly during the closing stages of the season.
The LFA has reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of the sport and ensuring that those found culpable face the full weight of its disciplinary statutes.
Discussion about this post