FK Apolonia Fier is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The Apolonia-Liberia player conflict details a transfer from Liberia to Albania that didn’t go as planned—or did it? Regardless, the situation has unfolded in a public setting that makes one party out to be wicked and unethical, and the other, questioned about the treatment of Africans who come to play soccer internationally.

In 2025, four players from Liberia—Augustine Mulbah Jr., Jenkins Sieh, Robin Hney, and George Wallace—signed a transfer contract with FK Apolonia. This seemed a standard acquisition, as documented by photographic evidence and league paperwork. Within weeks—this international transfer/integration expected to be welcomed—the reality set in that there was no contractual support.

Persons started reporting on social media that players were trapped in Albania with no money due to club mistreatment. The players asserted that they were not paid, had no place to stay, and were living in filthy conditions. The club refuted these claims and accused the Liberian nationals of attempting to defraud FK Apolonia.

Apolonia Responds: Unprofessional Moves

However, there was a rapid response from FK Apolonia president Koço Kokëdhima, who denied the claims. In a message sent to Edi Schmickl, the intermediary for the transfers, Kokëdhima stated that such player behavior was “unprofessional” on their end.

“Our boys did what they had to do to the fixed room,” Kokëdhima noted.

He also mentioned that in his four-year partnership with such African talent, this had never happened before. He feels this was a case of boys being uneducated and not coming to terms with the new European football reality.

“Others, after finding out they’re not quite ready to sign a pro contract yet, lash out in disappointment like this,” he said.”

The Players’ Reality: Trapped and Unpaid?

Info from league insiders provides a sad picture. They arrived on February 10, 2025, to a one-room situation with bad meal distribution and no wage.

Deprived of conditions did not preclude them from continuing to practice and play games, substantiating the idea that clubs use them as free labor. However, it remains unclear whether any of them were receiving compensation.

But such a phenomenon exists. Many foreign African players find their reality like this—dreams pursued yet easily exploitable without any real representation.

Agent’s Position: Trying to Be Balanced

Edi Schmickl, the agent from ES Sports Management, did not confirm nor deny but was interviewed by FrontPageAfrica. He noted that negotiations were underway between FK Apolonia and some of his clients.

“Sometimes, late payments occur due to the nature of the business and its administrative and fiscal transactions,” he stated.

Schmickl acknowledged that shortcomings exist and expressed hope for adjustments, but he neither confirmed nor denied the validity of the claims against him. He endeavored to balance his clientele and maintain a positive relationship with FK Apolonia.

Bigger Picture: Abuse of Players Internationally

This crisis is bigger than one club and four players. This represents an institutional failure that spans from Monrovia to Fier. There are far too many African players who gamble on themselves each year; bad conditions, abuse, and neglect should not be in the realm of expected outcomes.

The athletes themselves echo this sentiment. Without a union, they worry that speaking up will render them “difficult” and subject to potential blacklisting. If organizations such as FIFA or the Albanian Football Association do not address these issues, similar situations are likely to recur.

Chronology of Events

• Feb 10, 2025: Liberian players arrive in Albania.
• Mid-March: Abuse and unpaid wages begin to surface.
• Late March: Club president publicly responds.
• April: Agent claims negotiations are still taking place
• May 19, 2025: FK Apolonia formally releases Jenkins Sieh.

This timeline demonstrates how easy it is for vulnerable players to be taken advantage of when no one is talking or no transparency.

Reaction in Liberia: Outrage and Advocacy

The footballing world in Liberia responded. Journalists, supporters, and retired players sought to advocate for the Liberia Football Association (LFA) to make a change.

The agents were also under attack. Do agents not protect their clients from fraudulent opportunities? Are there too many loopholes for agents to interact with the international game?

As for Jenkins Sieh, he is no longer with FK Apolonia. A letter to The Liberian Investigator confirmed his employment termination, although the letter failed to note unpaid wages.

Contract Termination Without Compensation

Sieh’s letter came on May 19 from Apolonia signed by the club administrator thus:

“Player Jenkins Sieh… is a free agent and has no obligation with FK Apolonia.”
There was no discussion of a salary, nor a resolution of salaries.

“I Have Only $20 Left”

In a concerning interview with The Liberian Investigator, Sieh said from where he stood:

“I only have $20 left for food, and I don’t have money to return to Monrovia. I’m pleading for assistance.”

He indicated he bought his ticket to Albania, and without assistance soon, he’ll be homeless.

Increasing Concern of Liberian Athlete Safety Abroad

Advocates and fans back home want a better process. This involves:

• Legalities of player transfers.
• Club suitability assessments before transfers.
• Agent accountability.
• Safe reporting avenues for abuse/neglect.

Unless something is done to prevent such future exploitation, this will happen again.

What Needs to Be Changed?

The inadequacy of protection highlights the need for

• More stringent legal protections for international transactions;
• Cubs’ abilities for due diligence;
• Governing bodies for FIFA;
• Safe and transparent reporting options for affected players.

If FIFA is international, so should be protections for players.

What’s Going to Happen? Will There Be a Fix?

As of May 2025, fixes have not yet been implemented. The players are still in limbo. FK Apolonia has no intention of giving severance pay to those it released.

The Apolonia-Liberia player dispute may not be public, but those who can intervene should be aware of it. For every Sieh or Mulbah, there are numerous others whose voices remain unheard.