Monrovia – A ruling by the Liberia Football Association’s (LFA) legal department in a long-standing dispute between Heaven Eleven FC and its former head coach, Theophilus T. Geekor, has sparked confusion, with both parties claiming victory.
By Christopher Walker, [email protected]
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Heaven Eleven FC against Coach Geekor on November 28, 2024. The club accused Geekor of violating his coaching contract by resigning and signing with LISCR FC.
Geekor had initially signed a two-year contract with Heaven Eleven but submitted his resignation after just three months, citing family issues. However, despite resigning, he later returned to coach two matches for Heaven Eleven, leading to questions about the validity of his resignation.
The LFA legal department’s investigation, which took several months, concluded that Geekor’s resignation was based on personal family issues, not a breach of contract. The LFA found that while Geekor did not follow the formal termination clause of his contract, Heaven Eleven FC had paid him two of the three months’ salary arrears owed.
The ruling also confirmed that Geekor returned to coach two games for the club, which the LFA interpreted as a withdrawal of his resignation.
In its findings, the LFA also noted that Geekor’s contract with Heaven Eleven FC was a casual employment agreement, with no binding obligation for him to remain with the club.
According to the contract, there were no annual sick or other leave entitlements. This casual nature of the contract meant that Geekor was not legally bound to continue with the club.
The LFA’s final ruling emphasized that both parties should return to the “status quo ante” and resolve the matter equitably and legally. It also mentioned that any dissatisfied party could appeal to the appropriate statutory committee.
“The parties are urged to return to status quo ante and do all that is right, equitable, and legal,” said the ruling, signed by Atty. Benedict A. Yarsiah, the LFA’s Legal Affairs Manager.
However, both Heaven Eleven FC and Coach Geekor have claimed victory following the ruling. Heaven Eleven argues that the ruling confirmed the coach’s failure to honor his contractual obligations by abandoning his post after being paid two months of his salary arrears.
On the other hand, Geekor’s camp is celebrating the acknowledgment of the contract’s casual nature, asserting that there was no binding effect to his employment with the club.
The confusion surrounding the ruling comes as both sides interpret the legal department’s findings to support their respective positions, further complicating an already contentious situation.
Despite the ambiguity of the ruling, the case has raised significant questions about the enforceability of casual contracts and the rights of coaches in Liberian football. Both parties have indicated their intention to pursue further legal action if necessary.