Youth and Sports Ministry Slaps Three Counties with Fines for Bad Sportsmanship

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: The Ministry of Youth and Sports has imposed fines on Lofa, River Cess, and Gbarpolu counties for violent conduct during their final group stage matches of the 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet.

The fines ranged from US$5,000 each for Lofa and Gbarpolu, and US$1,500 for River Cess. The disciplinary action also includes the suspension of 7 officials (for 5 years) and 17 kickball players (for 3 years) from Lofa County, as well as the suspension of 3 kickball players (for 2 years) from River Cess County.

According to the Ministry, the three counties were held liable for the disruption of matches and attacks on match officials following a thorough investigation of incidents that occurred in their final group stage matches.

It was reported that players of the Lofa County Kickball team physically attacked match officials after their 0-0 draw against Grand Cape Mount County on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the SKD Sports Complex.

The tension erupted after the Lofa County Kickball Team failed to collect a compulsory win against their opponents, which led to their elimination from the tournament on the final matchday in Group C.

On the other hand, River Cess and Gbarpolu counties were tied to match disruptions. The Ministry's investigation found River Cess liable for disrupting the final Group A Kickball match vs. Grand Kru.

The report said, players of River Cess were seen assaulting referees at the Martha Tubman Sports Pitch in Harper City, Maryland County.

Gbarpolu's fines followed disruptions of the game between group members Montserrado and Bong Counties by people believed to be their supporters.

It was reported that stones were thrown at the Bopolu Sports Pitch by spectators who speculated match fixing between Montserrado and Bong Counties. The action resulted in a premature cut-off and suspicion of the last Group D encounter.

Imposing the fines on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the Youth and Sports Minister, Jerror Cole Bangalu, said the three counties' actions breached section 24.3 of the 2025 National County Sports Meet.

Minister Bangalu quoted: "Any county player(s) caught fighting within the game vicinity before; during; and immediately after the game shall be suspended and fined as deem necessary by the organizing committee of the NCSM".

He said the National County Sports Meet is an arena of sports for unity, respect and fair play. Minster Bangalu stated that the Ministry will not relent to enforce the rules and regulations governing the competition.

"The Ministry stands resolute and unyielding in its commitment to uphold transparency, justice, and fair play across all sporting activities under our jurisdiction", said Minister Jerror Cole Bangalu.