The Former President of the Liberia Chess Federation (LCF), William Thompson, has voiced serious concerns about the current state of affairs within the federation, citing alarming leadership decisions that are jeopardizing the progress of chess in Liberia.
Speaking at a press conference in Monrovia on Tuesday, Thompson said he was compelled to publicly address internal issues that he believes are damaging the image and integrity of the LCF both locally and internationally.
Thompson, who led the federation from 2018 to 2022, highlighted a number of irregularities under the current leadership, including the lack of transparency in financial reporting, the absence of a General Assembly, failure to hold a national championship since 2023, and Liberia’s recent non-participation in key zonal events.
“The President of our noble institution has taken several unilateral decisions which are tainting the image of the LCF. Transparency, accountability, and progress are the cornerstones of any successful organization,” he said.
During his remarks, Thompson recounted the strides made under his leadership, including securing a national headquarters, leading Liberia to its first Chess Olympiad in Georgia, hosting the African Juniors tournament, and introducing the “Chess in Schools” initiative. He also noted Liberia’s first international trophies at the African Amateur Chess Tournament in Sierra Leone and the acquisition of West Africa’s first DGT electronic chess boards.
“We worked collaboratively with key stakeholders and with the support of the Government of Liberia to build a strong foundation,” he said. “It is painful to see those gains slowly slipping away due to poor leadership and lack of direction.”
According to him the federation is facing significant challenges that hinder its progress and impact. The absence of the General Assembly undermines democratic processes, while the lack of a national championship since 2023 neglects a critical platform for developing local talent.
He added that financial issues persist with uncleared debts despite available funding, and Liberia’s non-participation in zonal events reflects a lack of regional engagement.
Furthermore, the absence of a structured work plan or event calendar exacerbates the situation, with leadership incoherence driven by centralized power and internal divisions. These factors collectively impede the federation’s growth and development.
To remedy these issues, the former LCF President called for an independent audit of the federation’s finances, the immediate convening of a General Assembly, the development of a strategic work plan, and the clearing of all outstanding debts. He also urged for a return to regular operations at the LCF headquarters and for a renewed spirit of collaboration among the federation’s leaders.
“It is only through honest and open efforts that we can restore the image of our federation and pave the way for a brighter future,” Thompson emphasized.
Former LCF President Raises Red Flags Over Leadership, Calls for Urgent Reforms
