Africa-Press – Liberia. Paynesville FC Defender and Captain Eugene Swen has broken his silence six months after being indefinitely suspended from football amid a match-fixing probe.
He and other players were accused of accepting a bribe to deliberately lose a match against Shaita FC in the Liberia Football Association (LFA) First Division last season.
Swen, who has been out of competitive action since April, says the suspension has taken a heavy toll on his career and personal life.
“The pain is too much sitting home,” he told reporters. “For six months, I have not played any active football, especially in an LFA organized league. Even visiting any of their facilities the suspension is a big blow to my football career. I think the LFA must act now and release the findings from the investigation so we can be free.”
The 7–0 defeat to Shaita FC in April 2025 triggered shockwaves across the football community, immediately sparking allegations of match manipulation.
Supporters and pundits questioned the manner of the loss, prompting both the LFA and Paynesville FC to take action.
On May 9, 2025, the LFA announced the provisional suspension of five Paynesville FC players Chris Dennis, H. Dan Weah, Eugene Swen, Marlon Harrison, and Prince Nagbo pending the outcome of a full investigation by its Ethics and Disciplinary Committee.
In its statement, the LFA emphasized that the suspension was a precautionary measure, not a declaration of guilt.
“The suspension is a precautionary measure and does not imply guilt or prejudge the outcome of the investigation,” the football governing body said. “This decision is in line with the LFA’s commitment to maintain the integrity of the game.”
Paynesville FC, for its part, had issued a strong condemnation of all forms of match-fixing in an April 10 in a press release following the defeat.
The club described the allegations as damaging but reaffirmed its commitment to integrity and transparency.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that Paynesville Football Club has always operated and will continue to operate within the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and sportsmanship,” the statement read.
The club immediately launched an internal probe led by its Vice President for Operations, Joseph Y. Howe, Esq. A day later, on April 11, the club announced the suspension of six players and referred their names to the LFA for further investigation.
“This action reflects the club’s uncompromising stance against all forms of misconduct and its unwavering commitment to uphold integrity within the game,” Paynesville FC said.
“We reaffirm that anyone found guilty of undermining the credibility of football will be held accountable.”
With months gone by and no conclusion to the case, players like Swen remain in limbo suspended, unable to feature in domestic competitions, and uncertain about their futures.
“I just want the truth to come out,” Swen said. “If I am guilty, let it be said. If I am innocent, I deserve to return to football.”
The LFA Ethics and Disciplinary Committee has yet to release its findings, leaving both the players and the wider football community anxiously awaiting closure on one of the most controversial episodes in recent Liberian football history.
When contacted by FrontPage Africa (FPA), Liberia Football Association Secretary General Emmett Crayton did not respond to inquiries on the situation up to press time.
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