MONROVIA, LIBERIA- (Koluba Zayzay) Hours after news broke of Liberia’s first Coronavirus case on Monday, March 16, 2020, leading sporting institutions in the Country announced with immediate effect the suspension of their respective league activities.
The top leading sporting institutions in the Country, the Liberia Football Association and the Liberia Kickball Federation were swift in announcing a halt to their respective activities, following a nationwide broadcast by President George Weah, urging citizens and other residents to avoid huge gatherings.
The Liberia Football Association (LFA) announced the suspension of all footballing activities across the Country effective 17 March, 2020, following the confirmation of the coronavirus (Convid-19) in Liberia.
A statement from the LFA says the decision follows an emergency Executive Committee Meeting following confirmation of the presence of the virus in Liberia, in a nationwide address by President George Weah, chief patron of sports.
LFA President Mustapha Raji said: “All clubs and stakeholders (match commissioners, referees and sub-associations) are hereby mandated to adhere to the temporary suspension.”
The LFA did not give an exact time for resumption of football activities, but said the public and stakeholders will be informed when the ban is lifted.
This ban will affect top league activities as well as women, third division and community leagues across the Country.
Several LFA Sub Associations (counties) were due to begin their 2020 league campaign this weekend, but will now have to hold on till further notice.
The Liberia Kickball Federation earlier Monday, March 16, 2020, announced the suspension to all of its league activities following news of the confirmation of the coronavirus.
LKF President, Emmanuel Surprise Weay, said the decision was reached following a leadership meeting few minutes after President Weah address to the nation, calling on Liberians to respect health measures.
According to the LKF chief, kickball activities will remain suspended until further notice from government.
Speaking to ELBC Radio Monday, March 16, 2020, Kickball Federation President, Surprise Weay, called on stakeholders of the sport to abide by the leadership mandate by staying away from sporting events.
The decision means, kickball matches that were due for this Thursday and the weekend are now on hold, as well as third division fixtures and grassroot programs across the country.
Meanwhile, the kickball league continued at the weekend with another defeat for Royal Sisters.
Royal Sisters were beaten 2-1 home-runs by Success Sisters in an entertaining fixture.
Champions Amazon whipped Supreme Girls 5-1 home-runs to recall their third straight win of the season.
Also suspended are all Liberia Old timers National Association (LONA) league matches.
The LONA league is staged annually among retired footballers, and brings together huge football followers at various venues.
LONA said their activities will remain suspended until health authorities can advise.
Liberia has now recorded two cases of the virus, with the effected persons undergoing medical care.
