Many insiders view the imposition of such a large fine as an excessive and punitive overreach that undermines the credibility of the association.
Monrovia– The Liberia Football Association (LFA) is facing backlash after its controversial handling of Jubilee FC, a football club embroiled in a contentious dispute over business registration documentation.
By Jaheim [email protected]
In a surprising turn of events, the LFA imposed a staggering fine of $10,000 on Jubilee FC, accusing the club of submitting falsified documents during the registration process.
However, this hefty penalty stands in stark contrast to an earlier ruling from the First Instant Board (FIB), which had conducted a thorough investigation into the matter.
During the club licensing inspection and investigation, the FIB concluded that Jubilee FC had been misled during the registration process and recognized the club’s immediate and earnest efforts to rectify the situation after realizing the error.
The FIB determined that Jubilee FC acted in good faith and imposed a much more modest penalty of $1,000, deeming the club’s mistake was unintentional.
Despite this fair resolution from the FIB, the LFA undertook a separate investigation and ultimately reached a diametrically opposed conclusion.
In its ruling, the LFA stated that Jubilee FC’s actions constituted a violation of its established Rules and Regulations, thereby justifying the imposition of the severe fine.
This abrupt reversal of the FIB’s findings has ignited outrage among football stakeholders, raising critical questions about the motivations behind the LFA’s actions and the integrity of its decision-making processes.
Widespread Outcry from the Football Stakeholders
The LFA’s decision has sparked a wave of criticism from a broad spectrum of football enthusiasts, analysts, and club officials.
Many insiders view the imposition of such a large fine as an excessive and punitive overreach that not only undermines the credibility of the association but also threatens the very foundation of fair play within the sport.
“This decision by the LFA shows a clear and blatant disregard for fairness and due process,” asserted football Senior Professional Sisters president, Emmett Glassco, who vehemently described the ruling as “wicked.”
He articulated deep frustrations over what he perceives as the LFA’s ulterior motives, stating, “The executive committee members represent a wicked set of individuals.”
He added, “Their actions seem designed to undermine the integrity of the league. If this continues, we will have no choice but to resort to legal action and seek an injunction to halt league activities.”
Glassco continued, emphasizing the FIB’s findings that Jubilee FC was misled as per the Judgment of the FIB initial findings and the club took prompt steps to amend an error that was never intentional.
“The LFA’s decision to levy such a harsh penalty is damaging not only to Jubilee FC but also to the credibility of our sporting community,” he lamented.
Desperate Pleas for Fairness from Jubilee FC
Jubilee FC President James K. Nimene expressed his frustration and disappointment with the LFA’s handling of the situation. “Our club has always prioritized integrity and fairness within the sport. We were misled during the registration process, but as soon as the issue was identified, we took immediate action to rectify it,” he stated.
He firmly declared, “We will not allow our club to suffer unduly as a result of this ruling. We are committed to responding appropriately and will adhere to all legal provisions regarding club licensing and the FIB’s obligations to determine just fine in our case.”
Nimene captured the sentiment of the club’s members when he added, “The LFA’s hasty move to penalize us without thoroughly considering the facts is incredibly disappointing and unjust.”
The conflicting judgments between the FIB and the LFA have provoked an urgent call for major reforms within the football house “book of sanction”
Stakeholders are demanding enhanced transparency, accountability, and consistency in decision-making processes to ensure that clubs are not unfairly targeted or subjected to inconsistent rulings.
“The LFA’s actions set a dangerous precedent for our football community,” warned sports Glassco. “If clubs can’t trust the fairness of the system, it will erode the very foundation of the sport.”
“The executive committee members want to retain their positions and that their reason for targeting clubs which are not in the line,” he alleged.
While Jubilee FC had initially found solace in the FIB’s ruling, the LFA’s recent decision leaves the club facing not only reputational harm but also significant financial jeopardy. With a mere seven days granted for the payment of the $10,000 fine, the club’s future participation in league activities hangs precariously in the balance.
He further emphasized that the ongoing saga has illuminated critical flaws in the governance of the LFA and underscored the urgent need for a more transparent and equitable system, one that genuinely upholds the principles of fairness and justice within football.
