By By: The People News Online
Paynesville, Liberia – Liberia’s planned Independence Day friendly against Minnesota United II will not happen. The Ministry of Youth & Sports has terminated the Match Appearance Agreement after U.S. visa denials left the Lone Star without a team.
In a statement Tuesday, Minister Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah said the decision followed exhaustive efforts by the Ministry, the Liberia Football Association, and partners to secure travel. With less than two weeks to kickoff, members of the delegation were denied U.S. visas, making it impossible to field a representative squad.
The Ministry invoked Article XII, the Force Majeure clause, which relieves both parties of liability when governmental actions beyond their control prevent contractual performance. Officials stressed the cancellation was not due to negligence or unwillingness, but to circumstances outside their control.
According to the LFA, an initial delegation of 25 was trimmed to 10. Of those interviewed at the U.S. Embassy Tuesday, six were denied. Only LFA Second Vice President Sekou Konneh was confirmed to have received a visa.
The Ministry expressed regret over the cancellation and thanked organizers SARX for their commitment. It said it remains open to rescheduling the fixture when conditions allow, and reaffirmed its commitment to expanding international opportunities for Liberian athletes.
