MONROVIA, Liberia — The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) is facing mounting scrutiny over its decision to summon Liberia Football Association (LFA) President Mustapha I. Raji, following allegations of financial improprieties tied to the construction of the LFA’s new headquarters — a claim both Raji and former officials say lacks merit.
The LACC, in a May 26 communication signed by Oversight Commissioner Rev. Randolph E. Tebbs, alleged that the Government of Liberia allocated $658,550 and $1,160,016 to the LFA during the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years, funds it claims were intended for the construction of the football body’s new headquarters and other operational costs.
According to the letter, those funds were “allegedly expended” but remain unaccounted for.
“The LACC informs you that it has initiated an investigation into allegations of financial improprieties and acts of corruption involving you and some officials of the Liberia Football Association,” the letter stated.
Raji Denies Allegations, Clarifies Funding Sources
Appearing before the LACC on Thursday, May 29, Raji denied the LFA received any funds from the government for the headquarters project or for operational expenses.
In a statement released by the LFA shortly after his appearance, Raji said government funding for the association was limited solely to the national teams — specifically the men’s senior side and the U-17 squad — during the fiscal years in question.
“Funds provided by the national government for the national teams are managed in line with established procedures, and comprehensive reports on the usage are submitted to the Ministry of Youth and Sports,” the LFA statement read.
The LFA reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and transparency, stating it welcomed lawful investigations into football governance.
Former Minister Supports Raji’s Account
Adding to the chorus of rebuttals, former Youth and Sports Minister D. Zeogar Wilson expressed shock over the LACC’s claims, saying that under his tenure, the government provided no funding for the LFA’s headquarters project.
“The Ministry of Youth and Sports under our watch did not give LFA a dime for its headquarters, except for the national teams — male and female. Look at the budget,” Wilson wrote in a Facebook post.
Budget documents support Wilson’s position. The approved 2022 national budget, published April 29, 2022, shows $100,000 allocated to national football. For 2023, published June 7, 2023, the amount was $80,000, with an additional $5,000 for grassroots football development.
Due Diligence in Question
The controversy has sparked criticism of the LACC’s decision-making process. Critics question whether the commission conducted a preliminary review of available public records — including the national budget — before summoning the LFA president.
Some football fans and observers took to social media, accusing the LACC of acting on hearsay, particularly as its investigation appears to have been prompted by an April 4 petition from the Student Unification Party (SUP) at the University of Liberia. The petition accused the LFA of opacity regarding its headquarters project and raised questions about Raji’s nationality.
Audit and Cost Discrepancies
While LFA officials reject the notion of government involvement in funding the headquarters, internal concerns persist about transparency in the project’s finances.
Former LFA Secretary General Isaac Montgomery, in a 2023 interview, challenged the association’s publicly stated cost of the building. The LFA initially pegged the cost at $1.5 million, but a 2023 audit report reportedly placed the final figure at $1.89 million.
Montgomery urged full disclosure, saying the true cost of the building should be made public.
Raji: “I Will Open the Books”
At a media engagement on May 19, 2025, Raji defended the LFA’s handling of FIFA Forward Funds and other financial activities, saying he would welcome a comprehensive review.
“I will be happy to open all of our books from 2018… from the WAFU tournament, the use of FIFA Forward Funds, to 2025,” Raji said. “Let those who misused beach soccer and other funds be held accountable.”
LACC’s Mandate and Public Expectation
Established in 2008 and reconstituted in July 2022, the LACC is tasked with investigating corruption across public, private, and civil society institutions. However, some citizens have begun calling for the commission to prioritize long-standing corruption cases over what they describe as “premature summons” based on unverified claims.
The LFA headquarters was officially dedicated by former President and football legend George Weah on April 28, 2023. He hailed it as a milestone in Liberia’s football development and a testament to his support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s agenda for African football.
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