The case revolves around an arbitration appeal filed by Rochell G.D. Woodson against the Liberia Football Association (LFA) and its former executive members, as well as the LFA Elections Committee, concerning the 2018 LFA elections. Woodson, a former member of the LFA Executive Committee, alleged that the elections were conducted illegally, violating the LFA's statutes. She argued that the Executive Committee had amended the statutes without congressional approval and overstayed their mandate, while also contesting the electoral guidelines, which included age and nomination requirements for candidates. Despite her protests, her complaints were dismissed by the LFA Electoral Committee and the LFA Board of Arbitration, which claimed they lacked jurisdiction over election matters. Consequently, the elections proceeded without Woodson being listed as a candidate, prompting her to file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The CAS proceedings involved multiple procedural steps, including the submission of an appeal brief, responses from the LFA, and the appointment of a sole arbitrator. The LFA initially raised a jurisdictional defense, but the CAS ruled it was untimely under the CAS Code. The CAS also examined Woodson's standing to appeal, emphasizing the need for a sufficient legal interest. Woodson maintained she was directly affected due to her previous role in the LFA and her exclusion from the electoral process. The case proceeded with written submissions, as Woodson requested a decision based on documents, while the LFA initially sought a hearing. Ultimately, Dr. Hans Nater was appointed as the sole arbitrator, and the parties agreed to a second round of written submissions. The final award, issued on 17 January 2019, addressed key procedural aspects such as jurisdictional defenses, standing, and adherence to timelines.
Woodson sought to invalidate the 2018 elections, reinstate the 2014 Executive Committee, and order a new election compliant with LFA statutes. She also requested reimbursement of registration fees, payment of an outstanding honorarium, and coverage of legal costs. The LFA countered that Woodson lacked standing since she did not participate in the elections and argued that the elections were valid, having been approved by FIFA. The LFA also noted that Woodson failed to exhaust internal remedies, such as appealing to the LFA Elections Appeal Committee, before approaching CAS. The Sole Arbitrator found that Woodson's appeal was admissible but dismissed her claims regarding the election process due to her lack of standing, as she was not an LFA member or registered candidate. However, her claim for the unpaid honorarium of USD 4,500 was upheld, with the LFA ordered to pay the amount.
The case highlights the importance of procedural compliance, statutory interpretation, and the legitimacy of electoral processes within sports governance. It underscores the CAS's role in resolving disputes involving sports governance, particularly in matters of electoral fairness and statutory adherence. The final decision dismissed Woodson's appeals related to the election but affirmed her financial claim, reinforcing the necessity of demonstrating a tangible interest in disputes and adhering to procedural rules. The award, dated 17 January 2019, concluded the matter, emphasizing the balance between upholding procedural fairness and addressing substantive grievances in sports arbitration.