The Organizing Committee of the 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet (NCSM) has reaffirmed its decision to uphold the forfeiture ruling against Lofa County following a protest filed by Grand Cape Mount County in the football category.
In a detailed press statement, the Committee clarified that its decision was taken within the scope of its authority as provided under Article 24, Section A of the NCSM Rules and Regulations, which empowers the Organizing Committee to adjudicate on matters not expressly covered in the rules, provided due process is followed.
According to the statement, the Appeal Board determined that two Lofa County players—Jeremiah Johnson and Francis Doe—were ineligible to participate in the tournament and consequently suspended them from the ongoing competition.
The Organizing Committee further disclosed that the Liberia Football Association (LFA) officially informed it that the transfers of the two players were conducted outside the approved domestic transfer window and did not follow established procedures. Records show that the transfers were completed on December 7, 2025, which falls outside the officially sanctioned domestic transfer period of December 15, 2025 to January 20, 2026, as regulated through the TMS/DTMS systems.
Citing Article 55 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the Committee emphasized that any team that fields an ineligible player shall be sanctioned by forfeiture. Additionally, Article 11, Section 13.13 of the NCSM Rules permits each county team to register a maximum of three First Division players and three Second Division players, with any violation resulting in forfeiture of the match.
Based on these violations, the Organizing Committee resolved the following:
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 featured in that encounter.
As a result, the final Group C standings have been confirmed as:
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 has called on all stakeholders, counties, fans, and supporters to respect the ruling, stressing that the decision is firmly grounded in the tournament’s rules and regulations. Appreciation was also extended to match officials, administrators, and stakeholders for their cooperation and commitment to peaceful participation throughout the competition.
Meanwhile, the quarterfinals of the 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet are set to kick off on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.
