By Danesius Marteh
Shaita Angels President Benita Whitney Urey has announced that she will appeal against the five-year ban imposed on her in January by the Liberia Football Association (LFA) for an alleged match-fixing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Benita appointed renowned Togolese football consultant, Mawuli Kwaku Avorgah, to represent her at CAS.
She has categorically rejected the recent decision by the LFA to reduce what she calls “the unjust and baseless ban from five to three years”.
In a statement released on 11 April, Benita said although the reduction has been disguised as a reconsideration, it doesn’t in any way address the key issue, which makes the ban not only illegal but 100-percent politically motivated.
“I maintain [I am] innocent and will continue to deny any participation in any wrongdoings that violate the LFA rules and regulations or statutes.
“Additionally, I will also like to strongly condemn the false and misleading information posted on the LFA’s official [Facebook] page stating that I admitted to giving Paynesville FC players money.
“I have never admitted to such claim. I believe this post was another failed attempt by the LFA and its media department manager [Anthony Kokoi] to tarnish my reputation and mislead the public,” she said.
She added that “it is also deeply concerning that players allegedly involved in this same case are free to participate in all football activities while Eugene Swen, who didn’t even participate in the match in question is facing a two-year ban”.
Benita has also expressed her dissatisfaction in the failed leadership of LFA President Mustapha Ishola Raji, who has grown to be one of the worst dictators Africa has ever seen.
“His administration continues to demonstrate bias, intimidation, and a disregard for due process.
“I not only reaffirm my 100-percent [support] to Mr. Cassell Kuoh in his bid for the presidency of the Liberia Football Association, but I will continue to fight for the justice that I deserve.
“I remain committed to the growth and integrity of football in Liberia and I hope that all stakeholders will open their eyes to the injustice and disregard to people who have spent their time, effort and finances to see young Liberians achieve their dreams.
“I will stop here for now,” Benita concluded.
Once perfected, this will be the second case against the LFA under Raji at CAS.
Jubilee FC won at appeal at CAS in October 2025.
Our resident sports pundit will analyze the likelihood of how CAS will rule once Benita’s case is registered in the coming days.
