Published: April 3, 2026
PAYNESVILLE — Youth and Sports Minister Cornelia W. Kruah has called for strict adherence to national laws and FIFA statutes amid an escalating dispute over the Liberia Football Association’s electoral process.
The ministry’s position was outlined in a statement issued two days after Kruah held separate meetings with LFA President Mustapha Raji, members of the association’s executive committee, and presidential aspirant Cassell Anthony Kuoh.
The engagements follow a legal challenge triggered by the release of electoral guidelines for an LFA election scheduled for April 18, 2025.
Kuoh has filed multiple court actions against the LFA, including a request for an injunction after the guidelines were published. The regulations require candidates to meet statutory eligibility criteria, including provisions barring individuals with records of fraud or financial misconduct.
His legal team has also petitioned the Supreme Court of Liberia to interpret Article 58.1 of the LFA statutes, which disqualifies individuals convicted of criminal offenses from contesting.
In its statement, the Ministry of Youth and Sports reaffirmed the government’s commitment to FIFA statutes, stressing that compliance is essential to safeguarding the integrity and independence of football governance.
Kruah underscored the importance of respecting Liberia’s legal framework and the role of national institutions, particularly the Supreme Court, in resolving disputes arising from the electoral process.
She urged football stakeholders to follow established legal procedures and internationally recognized frameworks, emphasizing that adherence to due process is critical to maintaining stability within the sport.
The minister also called for calm and constructive engagement, appealing to stakeholders, supporters and the public to exercise restraint as the matter proceeds through legal and administrative channels.
She reiterated the ministry’s support for dialogue, noting that unity, patience and mutual respect are necessary to advance football development and ensure a credible resolution to the dispute.
The ministry said it remains committed to a transparent, rules-based process and will continue engaging stakeholders as developments unfold.
The meetings, according to officials, form part of the government’s broader effort to remain informed on issues affecting football governance and to facilitate dialogue among key actors within the sport.
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