MONROVIA — A escalating ownership dispute over defender Pascal Harris has put newly promoted Liberian First Division side NPA Anchors FC and Wologizi FC at odds, with both clubs claiming the rights to the player ahead of the upcoming campaign.

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By: Christopher C. Walker | 0777898224 / 0886723075 | [email protected]

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The transfer saga took a dramatic turn on Tuesday after NPA Anchors officially announced Harris as their latest signing, declaring that the central defender had joined following the “successful completion of all necessary formalities” with Wologizi FC.

However, Wologizi FC head coach Jasper Benfelix firmly rejected the announcement, maintaining that Harris extended his contract with Wologizi weeks ago and remains an integral member of his squad.

The opposing positions have raised a fundamental question: Who legally owns Pascal Harris’ playing rights?

A Contradictory Paper Trail

Initial reports suggested Harris became available after his contract with Wologizi expired at the end of last season. Negotiations between NPA Anchors and the player’s representatives intensified in mid-July.

The move reportedly stalled when NPA Anchors opted to delay unveiling Harris in favor of presenting him alongside a broader group of new recruits.

During this period of uncertainty, Harris reportedly agreed to terms on a new contract extension with Wologizi FC ahead of the July 26 celebrations.

The situation was further tangled by reports surrounding a US$300 advance payment made by NPA Anchors.

Early accounts indicated Harris accepted the money without signing a binding agreement after asking to review the contract terms documents his management claimed were never delivered.

Despite reports that NPA Anchors had demanded a refund of the $300, the club issued an official public statement Tuesday praising Harris as a “highly promising wide defensive player” with key technical and defensive traits.

“His addition is expected to strengthen the squad as preparations continue for the new campaign,” NPA Anchors stated, officially welcoming him to the club.

“He Is Free” NPA Anchors’ Management Responds

NPA Anchors Deputy Technical Director Eric Roberts pushed back against claims of an incomplete process, insisting that Harris pursued the transfer himself and signed a contract for the 2026/27 season.

“He hasbeen behind us that he wants to come over. He is free,” Roberts said.

Roberts detailed that the transaction was executed on  Tuesday after final preparations were made at the club’s facility.

“Yesterday my people got ready for him. They called him. That is how he went into the compound yesterday and signed for us. We gave him US$300 yesterday for signature fees,” Roberts added.

Wologizi Technical Staff Refutes Transfer

Speaking to FrontPage Africa, Wologizi FC head coach Jasper Benfelix disputed NPA Anchors’ public stance and reiterated that Harris remains a Wologizi player.

“Pascal remains, as far as I’m concerned he’s still a player of Wologizi,” Benfelix said. “If any idea has to do with his transfer to any other club, then it’s Wologizi administrators that will inform me, not social media.”

Benfelix revealed that Harris was actively participating in Wologizi’s pre-season training sessions as recently as Tuesday  and Wednesday morning.

“He practiced with us this morning,” Benfelix stated, adding that administrative details fall to club executives rather than the technical bench. “I’m not going to ask him. Only my bosses are in a position to do so. Mine is to coach the team.”

Unresolved Status

The conflicting claims leave the legal registration of Pascal Harris in question.

Clarification will likely require formal intervention from the executive boards of both clubs or the Liberia Football Association (LFA) to verify player registration and transfer matching system (TMS) records.

Up to press time FrontPage Africa reach out to the defender for official comment but didn’t get a response but will try to get official response from him on this matter.