Rev. Dr. J. Luther Tarpeh, Chairman of Liberia’s ruling Unity Party, has resigned from his position as Mobilization Chairman of the national football team, the Lone Star, citing what he described as sustained verbal attacks against him and his late mother by certain radio stations.
In a resignation letter dated October 24, 2026, and addressed to Liberia Football Association (LFA) President Mustapha Raji, Tarpeh announced that his resignation takes immediate effect.
The Unity Party chairman said his decision was motivated by a desire to prevent ongoing public controversy from overshadowing efforts to rally national support for the Lone Star, Liberia’s senior men’s national football team.
According to Tarpeh, some media outlets have dedicated significant airtime to what he termed malicious and personal attacks against him, including derogatory remarks directed at his deceased mother.
He expressed disappointment that his involvement in mobilizing support for the national team had become the subject of criticism, despite what he described as his commitment to serving the country through football development and national unity.
Tarpeh also questioned whether his role as a political party leader should be used as grounds to challenge his involvement with the national team. He argued that supporting the Lone Star transcends political affiliations and should be viewed as a patriotic responsibility aimed at promoting national pride and cohesion.
“Rather than allow the focus to remain on me, I believe it is in the best interest of the team and the country for me to step aside,” Tarpeh indicated in his letter.
Despite relinquishing the mobilization role, he reaffirmed his unwavering support for the Lone Star and pledged to continue contributing to the team’s success from behind the scenes.
His resignation comes at a time when the national team continues efforts to strengthen public backing and mobilize resources for its football programs and international engagements.
Neither the Liberia Football Association nor the radio stations referenced in Tarpeh’s letter had publicly responded to the allegations at the time of his resignation.
Tarpeh’s departure leaves a vacancy in a role regarded as critical to building public enthusiasm, financial support, and nationwide solidarity behind Liberia’s national football team.
