LFA
Suspends Pelenah Again, But...
By Julu M. Johnson, Jr.
The Liberia Football Association (LFA) has suspended for the second
time its Deputy Secretary-General for Administration, Mr. Jenkins
Pelenah.
Mr. Pelenah fell into trouble after a row erupted over the hosting of
a musical concert at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium (ATS) on Tuesday,
April 15, 2008 in Monrovia.
The suspended Pelenah has, notwithstanding, reacted to the action of
the governing body of Liberian football by stating that his boss, the
Secretary-General, George Wah Williams does have the wherewithal to
suspend him.
The LFA Deputy Secretary-General for Administration has failed to say
whether he would challenge the decision by going to work.
For the time being, while Mr. Pelenah remains suspended and Mr.
Williams currently visiting the United States of America (USA), it is
the Deputy Secretary-General for Technical Affairs of the LFA, Mr.
Benedict Yarsiah, who is serving as Acting Secretary-General.
Following his return from an international assignment abroad. LFA
Secretary-General Williams kicked against the holding of the concert
on grounds that the second FIFA Goal Project was about to take place,
meaning that the ATS would be declared closed until the completion of
work.
However, Mr. Pelenah backed the hosting of the concert, organized by
the Crusaders for Peace of Culture Ambassador, Madam Julie Endee,
based on the argument that the organizers had already booked the
stadium ahead of the start of the renovation.
He later disclosed and clarified that he did receive money to use the
facility from Evangelist Zack Zangar Roberts and not the Lonestar cell
phone company.
Credible LFA sources revealed that Mr. Pelenah, despite admitting to
receiving the payment, failed to submit the funds amounting to
US$300.00 to the LFA finance department.
Consequently, the source mentioned further that Mr. Pelenah was
suspended for financial malpractice and that he would be investigated
by a body to be set up by the Executive Committee of the LFA after
when it would be known whether he would return or not.
The LFA has, meanwhile, decided to lay the imbroglio to rest by giving
the go-ahead for the hosting of the musical concert, involving gospel
and circular musicians, as planned and scheduled.
This is the second time that Mr. Pelenah has been suspended in less
than a year of his service since he took over as member of the LFA
Secretariat.
The former St. Anthony FC President and Principal of the St. Edwards
Catholic High School in Logan Town, Bushrod Island, was previously
suspended for administrative reasons.
Insiders made it known the action stemmed from a transaction he
carried out on similar stadium rental that embarrassed the LFA to the
extent that the 2007 National League closing program had to be
delayed.
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