Liberian footballers remain stranded in Albania, football club did not pay them

Several Liberian footballers who recently transferred to the FK Apolonia club appear to be in trouble.

Jenkins Sieh and Augustine Mulbah Jr. are among those suspected of being stranded in Albania, facing miserable living conditions and unpaid wages, according to foreign media.

The players had signed permanent contracts with FK Apolonia, a move facilitated through a partnership between ES Sport Management and the Albanian club. The transfer was intended to provide Liberian athletes with an opportunity to develop their careers and gain international exposure.

Augustine Mulbah Jr. and Jenkins Sieh of Paynesville FC arrived in Albania on February 10, 2025 and began their new path with FK Apolonia and were later joined by Fassell FC striker Robin Kane Henry, who is believed to have returned to Liberia.

However, sources close to the players paint a completely different picture of their reality since arriving in Albania.

Allegations have surfaced that players have attended matches and training sessions without receiving their contracted wages. Adding to their concerns is the uncertainty over who has collected their hard-earned wages.

The situation has reportedly left Liberian footballers in a precarious position.

According to these sources, the players are currently living in extremely inadequate conditions, allegedly sharing a single, cramped room. Their daily lives are said to be limited to travelling between their shared living space and the football pitch for matches and training, with limited social interaction outside of their professional obligations.

The alleged lack of financial compensation has exacerbated their hardships, leaving them without the means to support themselves or facilitate their return to Liberia.

Financial difficulties have effectively stranded players in Albania, away from their families and support networks.

However, the seriousness of the allegations has caused concern within the Liberian football community and among diaspora groups in Europe.

Meanwhile, after four years of working together, Robin Kane Hney and his agency ES Sport Management have officially agreed to end their professional relationship.

The partnership, which began in 2021, came to an end after a series of recent disagreements during the player's short stay in Albania.

It is believed that the situation in Apolonia and the silence of ES Management must have been the reason for the termination of the agreement.