LFA Closing Ceremony Poorly Attended

The Liberia Football Association (LFA), Thursday, 11 February, climaxed its 2009 national football league season, with the closing ceremony held at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium. A ceremony that was very poorly attended, as soccer administrators decided not to come. Of the 18 Executive Committee members, only four were present. Those present were, Wallace Weah, Geraldine Doe-Sheriff, Garmondeh Karnga and Mohammed Sheriff. The principal deputies, Pennoh Bestman, Vice President for Administration and Adolph Lawrence, Vice President for Operation and others, shined by their absence.

Observers believe this is a sign of protest against the current administration of Izetta Wesley, and a signal that she is not on the right track for FA March 20 elections.

In spite of that, many representatives from the premier clubs, divisions one, two and three, including award winners, their friends and relatives were present to grace the occasion. 

Speaking to journalists in the aftermath of the poorly attended program, Minister of Youth and Sports, Etmonia David Tarpeh, expressed serious disappointment over the way soccer administrators boycotted the programme.

She told reporters that over a period of time, people have been complaining that LFA programmes were not supported, noting, “Their comments seem to suggest to me, that no one is doing much for sports in the country”.

Talking to journalists after the programme, the LFA boss Izzeta Wesley, said as far as she was concerned, the programme was successful, adding, “I could not go and force people from their houses to attend the ceremony.  My presence here means that I am honoring my obligation and responsibility as head of the FA”.

Therefore, she continued, “I expect them to do the same and not otherwise as Vice Presidents and Executive committee members”.

Meanwhile, Mighty Barrolle was crowned champs, followed by LPRC Oilers as runner-up. Both teams received cash prizes of LD$ 250,000 and LD$125,000 respectively for the premiership. In the 1st division, Alliance and Tony FC were promoted.

The premiership winning cash prizes were LD$100,000.00 and LD$75,000 for the first and second places respectively.

Players Weaka Wisseh and Nuzohn Kulala all of Mighty Barrolle, were named top scorer and Best (Most Valuable) Player respectively.