By Pewu Y. Sumo
MONROVIA – The President of FC Fassell, Cassell Kuoh, has launched a blistering critique of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), labeling the recent suspension of Shaita Angels FC President, Benita Whitney Urey, as a “criminal act” intended to silence dissent.
The controversy stems from a match-fixing scandal that has rocked the league, leading the LFA to hand down a five year ban of Ms. Urey and player Eugene Swen.
On January 8, 2026, the LFA Grievance and Disciplinary Committee announced that Benita W. Urey, President of Shaita Angels FC, and Eugene Swen, a player for Paynesville FC, have been found culpable of conspiring to influence the outcome of league matches.
The committee ruled that both individuals violated Part I, Chapter 2 (20)(1&3) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which specifically addresses the manipulation of football matches and competitions.
In a statement, the LFA referenced two fixtures during the 2024/25 First Division League season (Paynesville FC vs. Freeport FC and Shaita FC vs. Paynesville FC) as the reason for the administrative decision against the football administrator and player.
Reacting to the ban, Ms. Urey late Thursday, issued a statement denouncing the football governing body action, stating that the allegation is “false, misleading, and politically motivated.” She cited her support for Cassell A. Kuoh’s presidential bid was the reason for the suspension.
“The Liberia Football Association (LFA) Grievance and Disciplinary Committee has issued a claim alleging my involvement in match manipulation. I categorically reject and denounce this claim as false, misleading, and politically motivated.”
“This baseless accusation is clearly intended to target me because of my open support for Cassell A. Kuoh’s presidential bid. The so‑called ban is founded on mere speculation and gossip, with no proof, no evidence, and not a single individual coming forward to claim that I ever gave them money,” a statement from Urey said.
However, Kuoh argues that the move lacks a factual basis and exposes deep-seated leadership flaws within the football governing body.
“Weakness and Insecurity”
In a strongly worded statement, Kuoh did not hold back, suggesting the LFA’s decision-making process has been compromised by personal interests.
“It is a shame to see the extent our FA has dropped just because of self-greed,” Kuoh stated. “Why ban someone who has contributed immensely to the growth of football without a proven cause? It shows weakness in your leadership and a clear show of insecurity.”
Kuoh emphasized that while discipline is a necessary component of sports governance, it must be rooted in evidence rather than personal feelings. He accused the LFA leadership of running the association on “emotions” rather than professional standards.
A Rallying Cry for Support
The FC Fassell President further characterized the suspension as an attempt to suppress Ms. Urey’s influence within the sport. He concluded his statement with a public show of solidarity, pledging the support of his organization.
Kuoh describes the ban as a tactical move to “silence her voice.”
“Team Cassell is with you on this, Ben!”, Kuoh said.
While the LFA maintains that the suspension is part of a broader effort to maintain the integrity of Liberian football amidst match-fixing allegations, the pushback from prominent club owners like Kuoh suggests a growing rift between the administration and its members.
The LFA has yet to issue a formal rebuttal to Kuoh’s specific accusations of “self-greed and criminal” conduct.
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