Published: November 3, 2025
MONROVIA — James Salinsa Debbah, once one of the fiercest critics of Liberia Football Association (LFA) President Mustapha Raji, has now emerged among his strongest defenders — prompting questions over what may have prompted the dramatic shift.In a statement posted to his official Facebook page on Friday, October 31, the former national team striker dismissed ongoing criticism of the senior national team’s recent poor performances as “delusional,” while praising Raji’s leadership and administrative competence.
“I believe the president is doing an excellent job and should not be brought to public ridicule because of inconsistent and sporadic performances,” Debbah wrote. “President Raji is a certified football administrator whose work ethic and diligence have been approved by FIFA’s elite.”
He also commended the Liberian government’s investment in the national team setup, ending his remarks with a full endorsement:
“Kudos to President Mustapha Raji. Keep doing what you do.”
A Sharp Turn from Earlier Criticism
Debbah’s praise stands in stark contrast to his position just a year ago. In a public post on July 17, 2022, he accused Raji of sidelining former national team players from key football decisions, including coaching selections.
“Your reluctance to consult former professional footballers, whom I believe are the primary authority on football matters, is nothing but sheer arrogance,” Debbah wrote at the time. He also questioned Raji’s football knowledge — remarks that generated widespread debate.
Raji denied the accusations, describing them as distractions from the broader work of football development. He reaffirmed both his Liberian citizenship and commitment to improving the sport.
A Possible Explanation?
Debbah now serves as head of scouting under the LFA’s FIFA Talent Development Scheme — a global initiative launched to identify and develop young football talent. His new role places him squarely within the administrative structure he once criticized.
This coincidence has fueled speculation among football observers who wonder whether Debbah’s warmer stance is rooted in a genuine change of perspective — or professional alignment.
The debate is further complicated by Debbah’s previous claims in April 2023, when he accused Raji and Deputy Sports Minister G. Andy Quamie of wielding influence over match officiating due to their associations with LISCR FC and Watanga FC. Those allegations, shared in a post later deleted, were never investigated.
“These two clubs have the most leverage,” Debbah wrote at the time. “They are so powerful that no match officials dare flinch when officiating their games, for fear of suspension.”
Shift of Heart — or Shift of Position?
Now working inside the very system he once openly challenged, Debbah’s endorsement has left football analysts divided.
Some argue that firsthand involvement may have given the former national captain a better appreciation of the complexities of football governance. Others believe his new appointment may have softened his public tone.
For now, Debbah has not directly addressed questions about what influenced his shift. Neither the LFA nor Raji has commented on the matter.
What is clear is that Liberia’s football public — known for its passion and keen memory — is watching closely.
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