The General Assembly of the Bentiu Local Football Association impeached Sports President Gatjang Matiok on Tuesday over leadership failures, officials said.
The vote of no confidence passed with a two-thirds majority during an extraordinary General Assembly meeting at the Bentiu Youth Center. Matuel was removed alongside Secretary-General Gatkuoth Nyuel and Treasurer Puok Matai due to what members described as a leadership vacuum.
Three interim officials were appointed: Laat Tungwar Kuicguong as acting president, Majuan Gatduel as acting secretary-general, and Pay Alpam Rialthin as acting treasurer.
Assembly members cited prolonged absences of the ousted officials, who were reportedly working remotely from Juba, as causing operational challenges. It remains unclear how frequently the president and secretary were present in Bentiu.
Under Article 6 of the local Unified Statutes, the General Assembly can convene an extraordinary meeting if more than half of eligible voting members support the request. The statutes require such a meeting to be held within 30 days of the request.
Zechariah Kuol Majuet, an assembly member, said the leadership ignored repeated requests for meetings on Nov. 28, 2024, and Feb. 5, 2025.
Another member, Lam Puok, said the impeachment was carried out under Article 9 after the officials failed to attend summons. The leadership was also accused of halting sports tournaments since last year without justification.
A state-wide tournament, originally scheduled for May 30, was postponed indefinitely, prompting the emergency meeting.
Chieng Wanmau, deputy secretary of Soon FC, said the lack of sports activities has contributed to rising crime and psychological trauma among jobless youth.
Peter Puot Jiech, acting director of the state’s Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry, said the ministry has no authority over the assembly’s decisions, only an observational role.
Acting President Laat Tungwar Kuicguong accused the former leadership of violating the constitution and undermining the assembly’s mandate.
This is not the first impeachment in the state’s sports association. Former President Philip Nguon Top was removed in 2022 over alleged mismanagement of $20,000 in COVID-19 funds.
The association has faced recurring leadership disputes, with some attributing instability to undisclosed political interference. Several senior sports experts have withdrawn in frustration over mismanagement.
Matiok became acting president in May 2022 following Top’s impeachment and was confirmed in April 2023. Members allege his term was unconstitutionally extended to 2027 without assembly approval.
Unity State has more than 10 football clubs competing in tournaments in Bentiu and surrounding counties.