MONROVIA — The Liberia Football Association (LFA) has rescinded its earlier disciplinary decision against Grand Kru County head coach Emmanuel “Emo” Kehkeh, lifting his suspension following a review of additional evidence surrounding an alleged match of convenience during the 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet.
By Christopher C. Walker | [email protected] | 0777898224/0886723075
The decision was reached by the LFA’s Grievance and Disciplinary Committee (GDC) after re-evaluating evidence connected to the controversial football match between Margibi County and Grand Kru County, played at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.
In its ruling, the committee noted that while evidence established Coach Kehkeh had discussed a potential match of convenience or manipulation via telephone, he was strongly opposed to the arrangement.
“After a careful review of the evidence produced indicating that Coach Kehkeh did inform other people through cell phone communication about playing of a match of convenience/manipulation, that he was strongly against,” the GDC stated, confirming that its earlier decision to suspend him had been overturned.
The GDC subsequently ordered Kehkeh’s suspension lifted. The decision was formally communicated to LFA Secretary General Emmet Crayton in a letter dated July 18, 2026, and referenced by the committee on July 20.
The ruling was signed by Jenkins D. N. Pelenah Sr., Co-Chairman of the GDC.
Reversal of Five-Year Suspension
The ruling represents a major reversal of the five-year suspension previously imposed on Kehkeh as part of the LFA’s probe into alleged match manipulation and bribery.
On July 1, the LFA announced five-year bans against three individuals Tony Walker, Chairman of the Margibi County Steering Committee,Emmanuel “Emo” Kehkeh, Head Coach of Grand Kru County and S. Warmann Yeafapolee, Head Coach of Margibi County.
The GDC had initially concluded that the match was intentionally manipulated in violation of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. Player James P. Gbah was cleared during the original proceedings due to insufficient legal and factual grounds.
Committee Re-evaluates Findings
The revised finding separates Kehkeh from the scheme, demonstrating that while he was aware of discussions regarding a potential fix, he actively resisted it.
The reversal highlights the critical role of thorough evidence review and due process in administrative proceedings.
Match manipulation remains one of football’s most severe integrity threats, endangering competition credibility and stakeholder trust.
With the five-year ban set aside, Coach Kehkeh is cleared to resume his football duties, though the broader controversy surrounding the Margibi–Grand Kru fixture remains under scrutiny.
