Africa-Press – Liberia. The regional tournament serves as the qualifying pathway to the 2025 African Table Tennis Championships in Rwanda.
Liberia faces possible sanctions and fines from the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) as uncertainty looms over its participation in the 2025 West Africa Regional Table Tennis Qualifiers, scheduled to begin Wednesday, July 16, in Lagos, Nigeria.
The regional tournament serves as the qualifying pathway to the 2025 African Table Tennis Championships in Rwanda. More than ten countries have confirmed participation, including Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger. Liberia, Niger, and Sierra Leone were set to return to the competition after years of absence. However, Liberia’s involvement remains in doubt due to lack of financial and logistical support.
President of the Liberia National Table Tennis Association (LNTTA), G. Gbassay Golee, speaking on Monday during an interview with OK FM in Monrovia, expressed deep concern over the situation.
“We are on the verge of national embarrassment,” Golee said. “Our players are prepared and eager to represent Liberia, but we are still waiting on the government to fast-track the necessary documentation and financial support.”
He warned that Liberia’s failure to participate could result in a fine from the ITTF, damage the association’s reputation, and reduce future international opportunities for Liberian table tennis players.
The LNTTA has prepared a 12-member delegation, including nine players, two coaches, and one administrator. The team was scheduled to depart by late Tuesday, just ahead of the opening ceremony.
The West Africa Regional Qualifiers are the only route through which West African nations can qualify for the continental championships. Missing the event could significantly hurt Liberia’s standing in both African and global table tennis bodies and invite punitive measures from the ITTF.
“Our athletes have been training for weeks. It would be heartbreaking for them to miss out due to financial delays,” Golee added, citing national pride and the players’ dedication.
As of Monday evening, the LNTTA was still engaged in urgent discussions with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and other relevant authorities, seeking last-minute intervention to secure funding and airline tickets.
If Liberia fails to participate, the ITTF could impose financial penalties or suspend the country from future international competitions, further affecting the nation’s sporting reputation.
The outcome of Liberia’s participation now depends on swift action by government institutions responsible for supporting national sports.
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