Organizing Committee Upholds Forfeiture Ruling in Grand Cape Mount–Lofa Protest
The Organizing Committee of the 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet (NCSM) has reaffirmed its decision to forfeit matches involving Lofa County, following a protest filed by Grand Cape Mount County in the football category.
In a detailed press statement, the Committee said its actions were taken in line with Article 24, Section A of the NCSM Rules and Regulations, which grants it authority to rule on matters not expressly provided for, provided due process is followed.
The Committee confirmed that the NCSM Appeal Board had already determined that Jeremiah Johnson and Francis Doe were ineligible to participate in the tournament and subsequently suspended both players.
According to the statement, the Liberia Football Association (LFA) officially notified the Organizing Committee that the transfers of the two players were conducted outside the approved domestic transfer window and procedures. Records show that the players were transferred on December 7, 2025, while the official domestic transfer period runs from December 15, 2025, to January 20, 2026, in accordance with FIFA’s TMS/DTMS systems.
The Organizing Committee cited Article 55 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which mandates forfeiture when an ineligible player participates in a match. It also referenced Article 11, Section 13.13 of the NCSM Rules and Regulations, which limits each team to a maximum of three First Division players and three Second Division players, with violations attracting forfeiture.
Decisions Reached
Based on these findings, the Organizing Committee ruled as follows:
The three points from the match between Grand Cape Mount County and Lofa County, played on December 20, 2025, are awarded to Grand Cape Mount County. The three points from the match between Grand Bassa County and Lofa County, played on December 14, 2025, are awarded to Grand Bassa County, as the same ineligible players were featured in that fixture.
As a result, the final Group C standings were confirmed:
Grand Bassa County – Group leaders with 7 points and 4 goals Grand Cape Mount County – Runners-up with 7 points and 3 goals
The Organizing Committee called on all stakeholders, counties, fans, and supporters to respect the ruling, emphasizing that the decision is firmly grounded in the rules and regulations governing the National County Sports Meet.
The Committee also expressed appreciation to match officials, administrators, and stakeholders for their cooperation and commitment to maintaining peace and order throughout the process.
Meanwhile, the quarterfinals of the 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet are scheduled to kick off on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.
