MONROVIA – The Liberia Football Association (LFA) has launched a high-stakes preliminary investigation into allegations of match manipulation and bribery during the ongoing 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet, resulting in the immediate provisional suspension of three key figures.
By: Christopher C.Walker0777898224/0886723075
The probe centers on a suspicious quarterfinal clash between Margibi and Grand Kru Counties on January 11. The match, which ended in a 0-0 stalemate, allowed both teams to advance to the semifinals with five points each.
However, the nature of the game raised immediate red flags; observers described the 90-minute play as “unusually passive,” noting a statistical anomaly of zero shots on target and zero fouls committed by either side.
The Whistleblower’s Account
The scandal broke wide open after Margibi County captain James Gbah took to the airwaves of to confess to the alleged fix.
Gbah claimed he was summoned to a meeting by the Margibi County Steering Committee, where players were reportedly ordered to manufacture a goalless draw to ensure mutual qualification from the group stage.
According to Gbah, officials justified the “arrangement” as a reciprocal favor.
He alleged that Grand Kru had previously assisted Margibi’s qualification in a past edition of the tournament by defeating Gbarpolu County. Most damningly, Gbah claimed that US$300 was provided by Grand Kru officials to “seal the deal.”
Swift Sanctions
Reacting to the public outcry, the LFA Grievance and Ethics Committee moved to provisionally suspend individuals who were link to the match fixing from all football-related activities and stadium access.
Those affected include Mr. Tonny Walker, Chairman of the Margibi County Steering Committee and President of SUSA,James Gbah, Captain of Margibi County and player for Champ Football Academy and S. Warmann Yeafapolee Head Coach of Margibi County and SUSA.
In an official statement, the LFA noted that its initial review suggests “factors of match manipulation and bribery may have influenced the outcome” of the fixture.
The football house emphasized that the suspensions are a necessary measure to “safeguard public confidence” in the nation’s most celebrated tournament.
A Crisis of Integrity
The LFA has formally briefed the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which co-organizes the event alongside the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The National County Sports Meet is more than just a tournament, it is a symbol of national unity and pride. These allegations of “soft play” and cash inducements have sent shockwaves through the sporting community, threatening the credibility of an event that often brings the country to a standstill.
The LFA has warned that if the allegations are substantiated, it will not hesitate to impose “severe sanctions,” which could include the overturning of match results and lifetime bans.
As the probe intensifies, the 2025/2026 edition of the County Meet remains under a dark cloud, with fans and stakeholders demanding full transparency and accountability for those involved in undermining the “Spirit of the Game.”
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