On James Koko Lomell’s Transfer Fees:
PROLA Decries Davis’ Critics

                          Steve Davis with th Liberian Women national team at Practice

Tuesday, 26th September 2006

The Promoters of Liberian Athletes (PROLA), a local sports promotional group has strongly criticized some members of the Liberia Football Association for the spirit of ingratitude and lack of appreciation shown Mr. Steve Davis, a Liberian sports promoter based in South Africa.

Mr. Davis is a FIFA licensed sports promoter and is Director for Bahlodi Sport Liberia Limited promoting Liberian athletes in Europe, Asia, South Africa and other parts of the world.

Mr. Davis has contributed immensely to the development of sports in Liberia and has donated a number of sporting equipment to the national team of Liberia.

Of late, Mr. Davis has come under strong criticism from certain quarters including some executive committee members of the Liberia Football Association for allegedly handling the transfer fees of James Koko Lomell of LPRC Oilers who is currently in South Africa through the instrumentality of Mr. Davis.

However, PROLA says these criticisms and alleged accusation of handling the transfer fees of James Koko Lomell comes in the wake of ignorance and the lack of sufficient information.

PROLA, speaking through its vice president, Mr. Cole Bangalu said rather than throwing unsubstantial accusation and casting of aspersion of doubt, which has the propensity of besmearing the character of a person who is contributing immensely to the development of sports in the country, Mr. Davis needs to be encouraged for his interest in developing and promoting Liberian talents.

Mr. Bangalu noted that it was unfortunate and regrettable for people to spread falsehoods and fabrications just to tint the character of another individual. Mr. Bangalu said PROLA believes that the best way to ascertain better and clearer information about player James Koko Lomell was to contact the South African Football Association (SAFA) or even the local football house.

As the result of the falsehood and cheap propaganda, Mr. Davis has threatened to withdraw his entire support from sporting activities in the country.

Mr. Bangalu said PROLA has been appealing to him to reconsider his decision. He said PROLA was appealing because the action, when carried out by Mr. Davis, could lead many Liberian players, including players Anthony Lamford and even James Koko Lomell and other Liberian players elsewhere in Asia and Europe into jeopardy. Mr. Davis has personally been catering to some of these players and their immediate families.

In a bid to clear the alleged dark cloud over player James Koko Lomell’s transfer fees, Mr. Bangalu said PROLA has availed itself to assist LPRC Oilers both locally and internationally concerning the issue. This will prove more transparent on the transfer rather than make accusation that cannot be proven against an individual with such reputable personality as Mr. Davis’.

Meanwhile, when our reporter contacted the local football house to get their side of accusation levied against Mr. Davis, the Secretary General, Mr. George Williams said he acknowledges the concern of PROLA. He said it was quite unfortunate that some people do not understand the procedure relating to transfers. He said there has been no official complaint from LPRC Oilers to the LFA regarding the transfer matter. He said as far as he was concerned an individual is unable to collect the transfer fees of a player because the deal is only carried out on a club-to-club basis. He said as such it was unfortunate for people to make claims that they cannot prove, just to destroy the image of a productive citizen.