Published: April 14, 2025
MONROVIA — Liberia Football Association (LFA) President Mustapha I. Raji has vowed to fiercely resist any attempt by any individual or group to attack him, his family, or the football house, declaring he has been quiet for too long and is now ready to retaliate.
Addressing delegates at the LFA’s 29th Ordinary Congress held Saturday, April 12, 2025, Raji raised alarm that his life and that of his children have been threatened, calling the attention of national security, INTERPOL, as well as CAF and FIFA.
“We want to inform the general public and the rest of the world — FIFA, CAF, WAFU, INTERPOL, and all other government authorities — that my life has been threatened, along with that of my kids,” Raji told the gathering.
Issuing a stern warning, he said: “If you attempt in any way — physical or otherwise — I will resist, and this should go to individuals who are involved in funding others out there to destroy our football.”
“We will return fire for fire. If you crave fire, get prepared for a burn. I have been quiet for so long, but if I am in my zone, I will protect my zone to the best of my ability,” he declared.
Raji’s statement appeared to be a response to a recent attack on the LFA headquarters and questions raised about his nationality by some members of the University of Liberia-based Student Unification Party (SUP).
He further urged football stakeholders to stand up against discrimination, racism, and most importantly, against individuals he described as money launderers, scammers, and sponsors of drug trafficking.
With loud applause from stakeholders, Raji led the delegates in chanting: “No to discrimination in football, no to racism in football, no to money laundering,” adding that the proliferation of drugs in Liberia is fueled by money launderers and is affecting a huge number of young people.
Congress Activities
Ahead of the congress, some stakeholders raised concerns with the football association, calling on clubs to vote against the passage of the annual LFA budget.
The stakeholders, led by Cassell Anthony Kuoh, a presidential aspirant for the 2026 LFA elections, among other things, called for budgetary allocations to purchase at least one ambulance for the league and to increase club subventions.
However, no official proposal, as required by the LFA statutes, was submitted by any of the clubs for further deliberation at the congress. Consequently, the budget was approved by delegates.
Out of 40 delegates, 28 voted in favor of the budget, while 12 clubs, including Invincible Eleven (IE), FC Fassell, Determine Girls, Shaita Angels, Jubilee FC, Senior Female Professionals, and Soccer Ambassadors, voted against it.
As the prime item on the congress agenda, the approved budget — totaling US$5.7 million — is expected to support national teams and facilitate the activities, programs, and operations of the LFA during the period under review.
Football Projects
During the congress, Raji disclosed plans by the football association to establish a football academy to be named in honor of the late Technical Director Henry Nyumah Brown.
According to him, the academy will be owned by the LFA, and revenues generated will benefit clubs while helping to develop football talent across the country.
The LFA president further informed delegates that as part of its talent development scheme, the association has scouted 3,000 players and identified 22 players for advanced training.
He added that the Technical Development Scheme (TDS) team visited six counties and will visit others to scout more talents, emphasizing that the academy will be operated independently.
Raji also updated stakeholders on the Gompa Stadium project in Ganta, Nimba County, which is expected to be completed in April, while the FIFA Football Arena project at the Bible Way Mission School in Brewerville Township is ongoing. He added that the Jacob Town community is also expected to benefit from similar projects.
“My dear stakeholders, I believe our football development is on course. Very soon, we will be celebrating the expansion of the Gompa Stadium in Ganta, Nimba County. The people of Nimba County deserve better,” Raji said.
He thanked the LFA Executive Committee for recognizing the contributions of clubs from Nimba County, emphasizing that “the investment in football and the money meant for football must be used for football development.”
Raji also announced plans to extend stadium projects to Grand Gedeh and Maryland counties.
As part of his vision to take football to all 15 counties, Raji informed the gathering about the launch of the U-15 league for the first time, as well as the introduction of the U-8 and U-10 leagues.
He also bragged that women’s football is making significant progress, disclosing: “We met eight women’s teams playing in one county with 240 players, but we have expanded to Montserrado, Margibi, Lofa, Grand Bassa, River Gee, Grand Kru, and Nimba counties.”
The Road to 2026
The 29th Ordinary Congress has set the stage for the elective congress expected to be held in April 2026.
Raji, who came to power in 2018, is seeking a third term and is expected to be challenged by Cassell Kuoh, although other contenders may also emerge.
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