By Peter Kollie
VOINJAMA, Lofa County – The National High School Football and Kickball Championship has been hit with controversy after a violent incident involving C.H. Dewey High School of Tubmanburg, Bomi County, during a Region 1 Championship clash against Free Pentecostal Global Mission School of Foya, Lofa County, on September 3, 2025.
What began as an exciting contest at the Voinjama Public High School Sports Pitch ended in chaos after Free Pentecostal extended its lead to 2–0 in the 56th minute through striker Emmanuel Abednego (#13). The goal sparked outrage from C.H. Dewey’s players, who protested the referee’s decision and abruptly walked off the pitch.
Tensions escalated when two C.H. Dewey players wearing jersey numbers 7 and 15 launched a physical attack on Center Referee Prince Dorbor. Reports confirmed that even the school’s head coach attempted to strike the referee, prompting Liberia National Police officers present at the venue to intervene and restore order.
Despite appeals from the referee to continue the game, C.H. Dewey refused to return to the field, forcing the match to be abandoned.
Investigation Confirms Goal Was Fair
An official investigation revealed that Free Pentecostal’s second goal was legitimate. A defensive blunder from C.H. Dewey’s backline allowed Abednego to capitalize and score, a fact confirmed by eyewitnesses, including the National High School Sports representative, the match commissioner, and several sports journalists.
The investigation also uncovered that Bomi County’s local sports coordinator had fueled tensions before the game by accusing the referees of bias, further worsening the atmosphere between the two teams.
Organizers Drop the Hammer
Citing Article XIV (Misconduct) and Article XVI (Forfeiture) of the tournament’s rules, the Organizing Committee handed down a decisive punishment.
C.H. Dewey High School has been banned for one year from the National High School Football and Kickball Championship.
The school will also forfeit the match to Free Pentecostal Global Mission School, who now advance to the National Championship.
Additionally, C.H. Dewey must pay a fine of LD$10,000.00 and issue a formal letter of apology signed by the principal before any consideration for future participation.
“The rules are clear. Any attempt to disregard them undermines the integrity of the tournament,” the Organizing Committee stated in its ruling.
What’s Next?
While Free Pentecostal celebrates its qualification to the National Championship, the decision has sent a strong warning across all participating schools: violence and misconduct will not be tolerated in Liberia’s most prestigious high school sporting competition.
