MONROVIA — The President of the Clubs Presidents Association of Liberia (CPAL) Sylvanus Morris has demanded the immediate removal of Rev. Dr. Luther Tarpeh as Chairman of the Lone Star National Team Mobilization Committee, accusing him of employing divisive political rhetoric that undermines the unifying spirit of the national football team.
By: Christopher C. Walker, [email protected]
The call, issued by CPAL Chairman Sylvanus K. Morris, follows intense public backlash over remarks made by Tarpeh on social media following Liberia’s 1-0 defeat to Mali in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at home .
Liberia’s latest loss marked its second consecutive setback in Group K, following a 3-1 defeat to Rwanda in Kigali, leaving the national team struggling to secure points in the ongoing qualification campaign.
The defeat to Mali was sealed by Ange Martial Tia’s 79th-minute strike.
Tarpeh, who also serves as Chairman of the ruling Unity Party (UP), drew sharp criticism after utilizing his personal Facebook account to target political opponents and critics of his administration over Lone Star affairs.
Reports indicate his post included derogatory remarks directed at supporters of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
In an official statement released by CPAL, Morris denounced the remarks as unbecoming of a public figure tasked with rallying national support for the country’s national team.
“As a prominent public figure and national leader, Mr. Tarpeh’s decision to ridicule people considered as opposition wasn’t only reckless and immature,” Morris stated.
Morris emphasized that football must remain insulated from Liberia’s deeply polarized political landscape, noting that the sport serves as a rare catalyst for national cohesion.
“Football has always served as a unifying force in Liberia, transcending political and social divisions to inspire hope, pride, and solidarity among our people,” Morris added.
According to the CPAL head, the disappointment of the match against Mali should not have been weaponized to widen political fault lines, asserting that spectators at the SKD were united under the national banner rather than partisan affiliations.
“Yesterday, we did not see the emblems of any political party; we saw Liberians gathered in their red, white, and blue to cheer our beloved country,” Morris said.
He further questioned whether an active partisan leader could effectively serve in a role requiring non-partisan, nationwide mobilization.
“No specific group of people should be labeled in the manner in which Tarpeh labeled other Liberians. This should not have come from a leader, especially someone leading the mobilization of our common denominator,”
Morris asserted, adding, “Our football is not a place for toxic and angry people, and no amount of provocation should warrant such statements.”
Appeal for LFA and Sports Ministry Action
In light of the controversy, CPAL has formally petitioned the Liberia Football Association (LFA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to take decisive administrative action.
“In light of Mr. Tarpeh’s recent actions that sow discord and jeopardize national harmony and the spirit of sportsmanship, we believe it is imperative for the integrity of our football and the harmony it brings, that Mr. Tarpeh be respectfully removed from his position as Chairman of the Mobilization Committee of the Lone Star,” Morris urged.
CPAL maintained that the demand is rooted in the preservation of the national character of Liberian sports rather than partisan posturing.
The mounting pressure adds scrutiny to the intersection of politics and sports administration in Liberia, questioning the appropriateness of political figures holding sensitive national sports portfolios.
Morris concluded by calling on stakeholders to prioritize reconciliation and patriotism as the Lone Star navigates the remainder of its AFCON 2027 qualifying fixtures.
“Let us be reminded that the power of football lies in its ability to unite, not divide us,” Morris said. “Moving forward, we encourage leaders at all levels to promote messages of reconciliation, solidarity, and national pride while discussing football and other sporting activities.”
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