Grand Bassa County-As the National County Sports Meet advances into the quarterfinals, Grand Bassa County have filed a formal protest against Bomi County, claiming that Bomi fielded illegal players during their recent match.
Grand Bassa County-As the National County Sports Meet advances into the quarterfinals, Grand Bassa County have filed a formal protest against Bomi County, claiming that Bomi fielded illegal players during their recent match.
The protest comes after Grand Bassa’s elimination following a 1-1 draw with Bomi in Kakata, Margibi County, leaving them with the same points as Bong County but falling short on goal difference.
In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, dated January 18, 2025, Grand Bassa sports officials alleged that Bomi County violated the tournament rules by featuring four first-division players, contrary to Article XI, Section 13.10 of the National County Sports Meet regulations.
Grand Bassa’s protest specifies that Bomi fielded two players who were not fully registered, which the match commissioner had deemed illegal. The players identified are Sekou Kamara, who wore jersey #22 and plays for FC Fassell, and another player with jersey #17, whose identity is still to be confirmed. The protest states, “These players were seen playing on the field for Bomi despite being denied inspection by the officiating team.”
Deputy Sports Minister G. Andy Quamie confirmed to FrontPage Africa that Bomi County had previously requested the replacement of injured player Vamba Dorely, a request granted on humanitarian grounds, but notes that it may not align with tournament regulations.
“Such communication was forwarded to the Liberia Football Association for action,” Quamie stated, emphasizing that the County Meet is structured for peace and reconciliation in Liberia.
Additionally, sources indicate that Bomi replaced Kelvin Konuwa, a first-division player, with another first-division player, Sekou Kamara, without prior approval from the tournament organizers, further complicating Bomi’s standing in the competition.
Grand Bassa’s officials are hopeful that their protest will lead to a favorable outcome, potentially allowing them to qualify for the quarterfinals with six points. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has yet to schedule a hearing into the protest.
In another development, defending champions River Gee County caused a stir by refusing to continue their match against Grand Cape Mount County. River Gee players exited the pitch in protest over the awarding of a second penalty to Grand Cape Mount, which they deemed unfair.
The first penalty had already been converted into a goal. Despite appeals from match officials and the Ministry of Youth and Sports team, River Gee stood firm, leading to the conclusion of the match and awarding three points to Grand Cape Mount.
The actions of River Gee have sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as an unsportsmanlike response while others suspect favoritism towards Grand Cape Mount. As of now, the Ministry of Sports has not imposed any penalties, but River Gee may face significant fines for their conduct.
As the situation unfolds, both Grand Bassa and River Gee are navigating significant challenges in their respective quests for advancement in the National County Sports Meet.
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