Benita Whitney Urey Rejects LFA Match-Manipulation Ruling, Calls Sanctions “Politically Motivated,” Vows Appeal
Monrovia, Liberia — Shaita Angels FC President Benita Whitney Urey has publicly denied allegations of match manipulation after the Liberia Football Association (LFA) Grievance and Disciplinary Committee announced sanctions against her and Paynesville FC player Eugene Swen.
In a decision dated January 8, 2026, the LFA committee said it found Urey and Swen culpable of involvement in match manipulation, citing provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code related to manipulation of football matches and competitions. The LFA said the case relates to two matches played during the LFA 2024/25 First Division League season: Paynesville FC vs. Freeport FC and Shaita FC vs. Paynesville FC.
What the LFA announced
According to the LFA’s statement, Urey—described as having a role “in the conspiracy”—has been banned for five years from:
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taking part in all football-related activities (administrative, sporting, or otherwise), and
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entering any stadium.
The LFA also sanctioned player Eugene Swen with a two-year ban from:
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participating in any kind of football-related activity, and
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entering any stadium, with the period described as inclusive of his first suspension.
Urey: “False, misleading, and politically motivated”
Responding in a statement shared on social media, Urey said she categorically rejects the allegation and described it as false and politically motivated. She argued that the sanction is based on “speculation” rather than evidence, stating that no one has come forward to say she offered money or influenced any outcome.
Urey also linked the accusation to politics, claiming she is being targeted because of her open support for Cassell A. Kuoh’s presidential bid within Liberian football leadership.
“I never communicated with any Paynesville player”
Urey further denied any contact with players regarding match-fixing, insisting she has never communicated with any Paynesville FC player about manipulating a match. She said she intends to appeal the decision and pursue legal action to defend her name and what she called the reputation of “opposition team leaders.”
Claims of double standards
In the same statement, Urey argued that similar scrutiny was not applied in other high-profile results. She referenced a match in which LISCR FC defeated Shaita FC 6–1, saying there were no public calls for a match-fixing investigation, and also pointed to LISCR’s loss to Freeport FC, which she said drew no comparable allegations.
She ended by saying she would not be “controlled or silenced,” and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting young footballers, noting her roots in Careysburg.
What happens next
Urey says she will challenge the ruling through an appeal and other legal avenues. The LFA statement does not outline the evidence presented publicly in the announcement, and further details may emerge if the case proceeds through appeals or additional LFA communications.
Editor’s Note: This report is based on the LFA’s public sanctions announcement dated January 8, 2026, and Benita Whitney Urey’s public response denying the allegations and announcing her intention to appeal.
