Monrovia – Watanga Football Club has forcefully rejected a key finding in the Liberia Football Association’s (LFA) investigation into Liberia’s non-participation in the 2026/27 CAF Inter-Club Competitions, maintaining that it never received the crucial June 19 email regarding the continental registration process.
By: Christopher C. Walker, [email protected]
The club’s response comes a day after the LFA released a three-member committee report blaming Secretariat officials for administrative lapses that left league champion Watanga FC and Orange Cup winner Black Man Warrior FC out of African competitions.
In a statement issued August 8, Watanga welcomed the probe’s confirmation of “serious administrative and communication failures” within the LFA Secretariat, but strongly disputed the committee’s assertion that the club received engagement instructions on June 19 and failed to acknowledge them.
Watanga Denies Receiving Notice
“Watanga FC categorically maintains that it did not receive that communication,” the club said, noting that no such email was brought to the attention of its president, secretary general, or any authorized official before the CAF deadline expired.
The club questioned why the LFA failed to send follow-up reminders directly to its leadership, arguing that official engagement with CAF remains an institutional duty managed by the national association.
Watanga emphasized that the LFA received direct warnings from CAF on July 24 and July 25, complete with a final window to rectify the issue, but failed to act.
Full Compliance Asserted
Watanga insisted it satisfied all requirements placed before it after winning the Liberian First Division Championship, including completing club licensing formalities and submitting venue details directly to CAF as instructed.
“Watanga did not withdraw from the competition. Watanga did not refuse to participate. Watanga did not fail the club-licensing process,” the club stated, reiterating that it remained fully prepared administratively and financially.
Transparency Demanded, Rights Reserved
The club is now demanding that the LFA immediately release the full investigative report, issue a written explanation for the team’s exclusion, and provide copies of all relevant communications between CAF, the LFA, and Watanga.
Furthermore, Watanga called on the LFA to petition CAF’s Interclub Organizing Committee for equitable relief. Suggested remedies include exceptional admission into the current tournament if feasible, guaranteed qualification or an extra Liberian slot for next season, or financial compensation for incurred expenses and losses.
While confirming that players have resumed training after being initially devastated by the exclusion, Watanga warned that it reserves all legal rights under LFA, CAF, and FIFA regulations to challenge the outcome.
