Published: May 11, 2026
MONROVIA — The Liberia Football Association’s presidential election scheduled for May 15 is facing a legal cloud after disqualified candidate Cassell A. Kuoh vowed Friday to challenge his removal from the ballot in courts both inside and outside Liberia, threatening to upend a vote already marked by governance disputes.
Kuoh, chief executive officer of FC Fassell, was ruled ineligible April 30 by the LFA’s Independent Electoral Committee, which cited statutes barring anyone convicted of a criminal offense from seeking the presidency, vice presidency, or executive committee positions. The ruling referenced Articles 45.4 and 58.1 of the LFA Statutes, which hold that individuals “found guilty of a criminal offense” cannot contest for football governance offices.
The committee emphasized that completion of a sentence or restoration of civil rights does not erase the disqualification, and noted that only Liberia’s Supreme Court has authority to invalidate provisions of the LFA Statutes.
Kuoh appealed, arguing through his legal team that the statutes had been wrongly interpreted and that certain provisions were unconstitutional. His lawyers also mounted a grammatical defense, contending that the statute’s use of the present perfect tense — “shall not have been found guilty” — should apply only to individuals guilty of a crime at the time of registration, not those with prior convictions.
The three-member Appeals Committee, chaired by Kollie Dorko, a former LFA secretary general under President Mustapah Raji, rejected every argument after days of review.
“Mr. Kuoh’s grammatical argument concerning the use of the present perfect tense is, in the view of this committee, unconvincing,” Dorko said. “Statutory interpretation in this context relies on the plain and ordinary meaning of the words as adopted. The clause is intended to uphold the integrity of football governance and safeguard the sport from individuals with criminal records.”
On the constitutional challenge, Dorko was equally direct. “The Elections Committee is not the proper forum to adjudicate constitutional questions,” he said. “Only the Supreme Court of Liberia has the authority to strike down provisions of the LFA Statutes as unconstitutional. No such ruling has been issued. Until then, both the committee and this appeals body are bound to uphold the statutes as they stand.”
Kuoh Alleges Bias, Vows to Fight On
Speaking to the Liberian Investigator after the ruling, Kuoh said the outcome did not surprise him and attributed it to the composition of the appeals panel.
“I expected such a decision from the appeal committee because those serving there are all associates and close friends of the current LFA president,” he said.
He vowed to escalate the dispute beyond Liberia’s borders. “I am prepared to seek redress in any court in and out of Liberia until the right things are done,” he said, adding that he would use every legal avenue available to ensure the LFA respects the Constitution of Liberia.
Despite the setback, Kuoh urged his supporters to remain calm and insisted the May 15 election would not proceed without him on the ballot.
“I will be on the ballot, and I am confident of being the next LFA president after the 2026 elections,” he said.
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