The Liberia Football Association (LFA) has officially relegated Jubilee FC from the Second Division league following the club’s failure to settle a $10,000 fine and comply with regulatory requirements.
The decision, announced Monday, comes after months of warnings from the LFA regarding Jubilee FC’s non-payment of the penalty, which was imposed after the club submitted a fraudulent Business Registration document. Despite a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) granting an extension until April 10, 2025, the club did not meet its financial obligation.
In a sternly worded statement, the LFA emphasized that the move was necessary to preserve the integrity of Liberian football.
“In alignment with the LFA’s Book of Sanctions and in light of these ongoing violations, it is with regret that we inform you that Jubilee FC is hereby relegated from its current division,” the association stated. “This decision upholds the standards all clubs must adhere to for the good of the game.”
Sources within the LFA reveal that Jubilee FC had been given multiple opportunities to rectify the situation but failed to do so. The $10,000 fine stemmed from an earlier investigation that found the club had presented falsified documents during registration.
Football analysts say the relegation sends a strong message to other clubs about the consequences of disregarding league regulations.
“The LFA has shown it will not tolerate financial misconduct or fraudulent behavior,” said sports journalist Emmanuel Doe. “While it’s unfortunate for Jubilee’s players and fans, rules must be enforced fairly.”
Jubilee FC retains the right to appeal the decision within the LFA’s legal framework. However, if upheld, the club will need to regroup in a lower division and address its administrative shortcomings before seeking reinstatement.
Fans of the team have expressed disappointment, with some calling for greater transparency from club management.
“We deserve to know why this happened and what’s being done to fix it,” said supporter Martha Johnson. “The players and supporters shouldn’t suffer for mistakes made off the field.”
The LFA reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing compliance across all divisions, stating that “the integrity of our competitions and respect for regulations remain paramount.”
As the football community reacts to the news, the spotlight now turns to Jubilee FC’s next move, whether they will contest the ruling or begin preparations for life outside the Second Division.
