The Civil Society Coalition Against Fraud unequivocally condemns the arbitrary arrest and unwarranted incarceration of the Chairperson of the Montserrado County Sub-Association of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), Melton Yoko, at the behest of FC Fassell’s president Cassell Kuoh.
Mr. Yoko, a dedicated football administrator, was disgracefully apprehended by sheriffs of the Monrovia City Court at the SKD Sports Complex during Liberia’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Tunisia on Wednesday, March 19. This came immediately after his return from national duty in Egypt, where he was part of the Liberia U-17 delegation.
“It is deeply troubling that an individual aspiring to lead Liberian football would resort to using the judicial system as a weapon to silence and intimidate stakeholders. This brazen display of vindictiveness and power abuse is a testament to Mr. Kuoh’s unsuitability for football leadership in Liberia,” the civil society group alarmed.
The Civil Society Coalition denounced the authoritarian maneuver by Mr. Kuoh on simple allegation of criticizing his involvement in an incident at the LFA headquarters noting that, it is foreboding to imagine how he would handle dissent if entrusted with the LFA presidency. Such a precedent signals a dictatorial and intolerant leadership style, devoid of the maturity and democratic ethos necessary for the advancement of Liberian football.
The group stated that Mr. Kuoh’s actions violate established football protocols and ethical standards as matters concerning football stakeholders should first be addressed through internal mechanisms, including the Executive Committee of the LFA, the Disciplinary Committee, or the Liberia National Olympic Committee instead, Mr. Kuoh bypassed all channels in favor of an impulsive and vindictive move, particularly on the day of a high-stakes international fixture.
“This impetuous and disgraceful act underscores Mr. Kuoh’s lack of temperament, sportsmanship, and leadership acumen. His refusal to also distance himself from the attack at the LFA headquarters further raises serious concerns. Given his ongoing legal entanglements with multiple football stakeholders, including Madam Rochell Woodson and Mr. Melton Yoko, his actions suggest an agenda of personal vendetta rather than constructive football administration,” the group said.
The Civil Society Coalition decried this abuse of power and intimidation tactics and described his conduct as a stark reminder of the dangers of entrusting Liberian football to individuals with questionable integrity and authoritarian tendencies.