Published: February 25, 2026
By: Edwin Dolo
Congo Town — Liberia Football Association President Mustapha Raji delivered a defiant address Sunday at the LFA Extraordinary Congress, drawing a sharp line between what he described as integrity-driven leadership and “criminal administration” as he seeks a third term in office.
“If you believe that an LFA run by criminals will develop faster than one built on integrity, then I don’t want to be part of that LFA,” Raji told delegates.
With the LFA’s elective congress set for April 18, 2026, in Harper, Maryland County, tensions are rising between Raji and his expected challenger, Cassell Anthony Kuoh.
The political atmosphere intensified after 10 former national team players, led by former captain Teah Dennis and defender George Baysah, endorsed Kuoh’s bid. In a statement, the players acknowledged Raji’s achievements but said Kuoh presents a broader vision for Liberian football.
Raji dismissed the endorsements, praising former national team star James Salinsa Debbah and other stakeholders for backing his third-election bid.
“We are happy that legends like James Debbah are here supporting the vision to develop Liberian football,” Raji said, taking a swipe at other former players whom he said lack public recognition.
Debbah, once a critic of Raji, recently endorsed him during a live video podcast, saying many of his earlier concerns had been addressed.
Raji expressed confidence in securing another term.“I’m in football until 2029,” he said. “If you vote against the budget, you will not be doing it to me.”
Sponsorship controversy
Raji said the LFA lost a $280,000 sponsorship agreement with Orange Liberia in 2023 following two weeks of protests at the company’s headquarters in Monrovia. Protesters accused Raji, who was employed by Orange at the time, of conflict of interest while serving as LFA president.
According to Raji, the sponsorship provided $7,000 to each first-division club and allocated about $80,000 for national team operations and awards. He alleged the protests were organized by stakeholders opposed to his administration.
Reform initiatives
Reflecting on his leadership since 2018, Raji highlighted progress in coaching education, refereeing, grassroots development, women’s football and infrastructure.
He also announced that the LFA Executive Committee approved a fully funded License D coaching course for former male and female national team players.
“Those who served our nation on the pitch still have an invaluable opportunity to lead from the sidelines,” he said.
Delegates unanimously approved appointments to the association’s judicial, audit, compliance, club licensing and electoral bodies. The congress also formally admitted seven new clubs after they met statutory requirements. They were: Tap Tap FC, Falconet FC, Small Town FC, SUSA FC, Golden Dream, Wein Town FC, and Gedeh FC.
Minister calls for unity
Youth and Sports Minister Cornelia Kruah, making her first official appearance before the LFA since taking office, urged stakeholders to maintain unity ahead of the election.
“Let us ensure that politics does not erode the unity that football is known to promote,” Kruah said. “The laws, policies and rules that govern the LFA must be respected at all times.”
She pledged government support for sports infrastructure development, youth talent cultivation and increased participation of women and girls in football.
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