MONROVIA — The President of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), Mustapha I. Raji, has reiterated that he does not receive any honorarium from the LFA, countering claims made by critics.
“I am not rich; I am poor. The LFA cannot pay me, and I came to serve football,” Raji emphasized.
Responding to a question from a sports journalist, Raji challenged anyone to produce evidence that he has taken an honorarium since 2018. “If anyone shows proof, I will resign immediately,” he asserted.
Raji also informed sports journalists that he personally covers the fuel costs for his vehicle, and the LFA does not provide him with any money for its upkeep.
“My focus is to ensure the development and improvement of football for the benefit of the sector,” he stated.
Addressing the financial challenges faced by the National Team, for which the LFA is the official caretaker, Raji disclosed ongoing difficulties in securing support. However, he remains optimistic about the team’s prospects, aiming for qualification for the 2025 Nation’s Cup through hard work.
“We at the LFA are working on various programs and activities to enhance the game, especially given the gifted talents of Liberia,” Raji explained.
Providing clarity on Solomon Mudege, a Zimbabwean, Raji mentioned that Mudege is a FIFA official who has been collaborating with Liberia on football development, including women’s football, for several years, dating back to Musa Bility’s tenure.
“Mudege works with FIFA and is based in Paris,” Raji clarified.
He urged Liberians to concentrate their efforts on football development for the collective benefit of the sector.
“People who spread such misinformation do not understand football and its development,” he remarked.
Raji reaffirmed his commitment to football development, stating, “I am focused and cannot be distracted. I am a tough nut to crack.”
He also called for a collective approach to improve the game. “At the LFA, all is not 100%, but we are working hard to make things better,” he noted.
President Raji made these comments on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, during a day-long media engagement with members of the Sports Writers Association of Liberia at the LFA Headquarters in the Swankamore Community in Congo Town.
4o
Discussion about this post