Published: March 19, 2025
Monrovia – A protest organized by the Students Unification Party (SUP) at the Liberia Football Association (LFA) headquarters on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, spiraled into violence, resulting in injuries and property damage.
The demonstration, sparked by concerns over the nationality of LFA President Mustapha Raji, turned chaotic as students allegedly stormed the premises, smashing windows and damaging vehicles.
Eyewitnesses reported that protesters hurled stones at the building’s glass entrance, injuring LFA staff members and vandalizing several parked cars.
The unrest followed a 72-hour ultimatum issued by SUP on March 14, demanding that Raji publicly clarify his nationality or step down.
“Raji must justify his nationality or leave our football because he is not a Liberian,” a protesting student declared, blaming Raji’s silence for the escalation.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from key football stakeholders. Cassell Kuoh, a candidate in the upcoming 2026 LFA presidential election, distanced himself from the violence.
“We categorically condemn these actions and any attempt to destabilize the progress of Liberian football. My campaign had no involvement in this unfortunate incident,” Kuoh stated.
The Club Presidents Association of Liberia (CPAL) also denounced the attack, calling it a “barbaric and senseless act of violence” and urging protesters to embrace dialogue instead of destruction.
“Only through collaboration can we address the challenges facing Liberian football,” CPAL said in a statement.
Similarly, the Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) labeled the attack as hooliganism, warning that such actions threaten the integrity of football both locally and internationally.
“We urge the Liberia National Police (LNP) to swiftly investigate and bring those responsible to justice,” SWAL emphasized.
As of now, the Liberia National Police (LNP) has arrested five individuals in connection with the violence.
However, the ongoing investigation is expected to have serious implications for the future of Liberian football, as the controversy surrounding Raji’s nationality continues to fuel tensions.
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