The Liberia Football Association (LFA) has initiated an investigation into grave allegations of bribery and financial inducement that threaten to tarnish the integrity of the sport. This developing controversy centers on alleged attempts to sway votes during the LFA’s Extraordinary Congress held on May 25, 2024.

Allegations of Financial Inducement During the Budget Vote

The core of the scandal lies in claims that certain club officials were financially motivated to oppose the LFA’s proposed budget. Out of the total clubs present at the congress, 13 clubs voted against the budget, citing a lack of additional support for struggling teams as the primary reason.

Liberia Football Association Bribery: Evidence Emerges

In a revealing chatroom message, Jallah Corvah, a representative of Senior Female Professional, a Women’s Upper Division club, shed light on the alleged financial incentives. Corvah’s message read:

“Please allow me to use this medium to inform all clubs who voted against the budget in the recent Extra Ordinary Congress to please go to the NEEV office to receive your second payment of the $5,000.00 from NEEV Liberia.”

This statement strongly suggests that NEEV Liberia, under the leadership of Mr. Cassell Kouh, distributed financial rewards to clubs that resisted the LFA budget. Corvah acknowledged that the first payment was made prior to the league’s commencement, with the second installment ready for disbursement at the NEEV office.

The Role of NEEV Liberia

NEEV Liberia reportedly played a central role in this controversy by agreeing to provide financial assistance to the 13 dissenting clubs. The funds were described as a direct response to the LFA’s refusal to increase its support for struggling teams. While the intentions may have been to advocate for better funding, the alleged monetary inducements raise serious ethical questions.

Allegations Against Club Presidents

The controversy deepened when journalist James Goodday Flomo revealed an attempt by a club president to bribe media professionals. According to Flomo’s January 1, 2025, social media post, this club president allegedly sought to suppress coverage of the scandal by offering financial incentives to journalists. This revelation underscores the extent of unethical practices involved in the case.

LFA’s Stance on Integrity and Ethics

In an official statement, the LFA reaffirmed its commitment to upholding ethical standards within Liberian football. The association emphasized that the principles of the CAF and FIFA Code of Ethics, which prohibit bribery, corruption, and other unethical behaviors, remain pivotal to preserving the integrity of the sport. The LFA vowed to thoroughly investigate the allegations and take appropriate actions against those found culpable.

Liberia Football Association Bribery: Implications for Liberian Football

This scandal poses significant challenges to the credibility of Liberian football. The allegations of bribery, if proven true, could erode public trust in the sport and damage relationships with international governing bodies such as FIFA and CAF. Transparency and accountability are crucial as the LFA navigates this crisis.

Steps to Restore Trust

1. Comprehensive Investigation: The LFA must ensure a transparent and impartial inquiry into all allegations.
2. Accountability: Officials and entities involved in unethical practices must face appropriate sanctions.
3. Ethics Training: Strengthening awareness of ethical standards among clubs, officials, and stakeholders is essential.
4. Collaboration with FIFA and CAF: Partnering with international bodies to reinforce ethical governance.

Upholding the Spirit of Fair Play

As the investigation unfolds, the Liberian football community must rally around the principles of fairness and integrity. Upholding these values is not just a moral obligation but a necessity to maintain the sport’s global standing and ensure its future growth.