MONROVIA – Football elections are among the most highly contested polls globally, given the sport’s immense popularity, with billions of fans and thousands of administrators. However, one man has made electoral contests in football—both locally and internationally—remarkably simple. He is Mustapha Ishola Raji, the current President of the Liberia Football Association (LFA).
The telecommunications expert and Liberian football chief was re-elected unopposed as a CAF Executive Member at the 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025—marking a significant achievement for Liberian football. This victory underscores Raji’s influential role in African football governance and highlights the trust and respect he commands within the football community.
Four years ago, Raji defeated former Guinean Football Federation President and millionaire Antonio Souaré for the position, which represents nine countries in the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone A. This zone includes nations such as Senegal, Mali, The Gambia, Cape Verde, and Sierra Leone.
Raji’s second term was effectively secured weeks ago when none of the eight other member association presidents opted to oppose him. The lack of challengers is seen as a vote of confidence from WAFU A members and CAF in general, reaffirming his leadership. It also suggests that his administration aligns with the vision of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe to develop football at all levels and make the sport truly global.
Raji’s triumph at CAF marks the third time he has won an election unopposed in his football career. In 2018, he was elected unopposed as LFA president after then-incumbent LFA Vice President for Administration and former national team striker Musa Shannon withdrew from the electoral process. Although Raji did not initially secure the required votes for an outright victory, the election was set for a second round. However, Shannon withdrew without explanation—though speculation suggests his decision was influenced by political intervention and negotiations.
The 51-year-old replaced then-incumbent President Musa Bility, who opted not to contest for a third term. A year later, Bility was banned by FIFA for 10 years and fined half a million dollars for breaching the organization’s code of ethics.
In 2022, Raji was again re-elected unopposed as LFA president. Many of his potential challengers chose to give him a second term, allowing him to continue the development initiatives he had launched during his first tenure.
When he took office in 2018, Raji’s first priority was settling unpaid debts amounting to approximately US$500,000. This included payments to match officials, employee salaries, cash prizes, and arrears owed to former national team coaches. His administration immediately initiated the construction of mini-stadiums, including the TUSA Field, the SKD Practice Pitch, the George Weah Technical Center, and the artificial turf at the Doris Williams Stadium in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
A Possible Third Term?
In 2022, Raji announced in a meeting with club presidents that he would seek a third term. This announcement sparked debate among football stakeholders—some support his continued leadership, while others believe he should step aside for new leadership.
Among Raji’s staunchest supporters is former LFA Executive Committee member Rochelle Woodson, who believes he should contest unopposed in the 2026 elections. She has actively campaigned for his re-election, crediting him with fostering inclusiveness and financial discipline at the LFA, as well as improving women’s football and infrastructure development.
Woodson, who was a fierce critic of Raji’s administration before the 2022 elections (in which she unsuccessfully ran for Vice President), now says she is convinced by his leadership. However, pundits speculate that she is positioning herself as a potential successor if Raji wins and completes a third term in 2030.
Despite his achievements, Raji has faced strong criticism. Many argue that he has not done enough to improve football at the club level, has violated LFA statutes, and has been involved in financial improprieties. Under his leadership, the senior national team has also performed dismally in major competitions.
In 2023, former LFA Chief Scribe Isaac Montgomery challenged the reported cost of the newly dedicated LFA headquarters. Montgomery alleged that the actual cost of the project exceeded US$1.8 million—contrary to the US$1.5 million officially announced. This accusation, implying financial mismanagement, led to a bitter public exchange between Raji and Montgomery, ultimately resulting in a defamation lawsuit filed by Raji.
Cassell Kuoh’s Aspiration for the Presidency
As of now, FC Fassell President Cassell A. Kuoh is the only person to have publicly declared his intention to challenge Raji in 2026. However, tensions have already flared between the two.
The LFA recently rejected a US$5,000 cash donation from Kuoh intended for the women’s U-17 and U-20 national teams. Speaking in an interview with Smile FM in Grand Gedeh County, Raji stated that the LFA would not accept a donation from “a felon” and advised Kuoh to direct the funds to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which oversees the national teams.
Kuoh’s eligibility for the presidency remains uncertain. He returned to Liberia last year after serving a seven-year prison sentence in the United States for defrauding individuals of millions of dollars. According to Article 45.4 of the 2018 Liberia Football Association statute, individuals with criminal convictions are barred from contesting elections. The statute states:
“The President, Vice Presidents, and Executive Committee members shall have a minimum qualification of a high school diploma. They shall not have been found guilty of a criminal offense.”
This provision aligns with FIFA’s eligibility criteria and compliance rules, designed to protect the integrity and reputation of football governance globally.
Despite this legal hurdle, several football stakeholders support Kuoh’s presidential ambitions, citing his significant investments in Liberian football and his innovative approach. Since returning, he has reintroduced former national team players like Zah Krangar, Solomon Grimes, and Tonia Tisdell to the domestic league. Additionally, he made history by hiring Belgian coach Ivan Minnaert—the first foreign head coach in many years—to manage FC Fassell.
Kuoh has also announced plans to construct a stadium for his club before the end of 2025. Fassell is currently in a strong position to win the LFA First Division League this season.
As the 2026 LFA elections approach, the stage is set for what could be one of the most intriguing contests in Liberian football history. Will Raji continue his unopposed streak, or will Kuoh manage to clear the legal and political hurdles to challenge him? Only time will tell.
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