Tensions, accountability, and the future of Liberian football dominated discussions on Sunday as Liberia Football Association (LFA) President Mustapha I. Raji delivered a firm and passionate address at the Extraordinary Congress held at the association’s headquarters.
In a candid reflection on past challenges, Raji disclosed that prolonged internal conflicts and protests led to the loss of a major sponsorship deal with Orange Liberia — a blow he described as costly to domestic football development.
“We lost Orange sponsorship after nonstop protest here. First division teams were getting $7,000 — a big loss. Was it good for our football? No. Let us change our mind and attitude,” Raji told delegates.
The LFA President also responded strongly to comments made by Cassell Kuoh on OK FM, rejecting any notion that football development could succeed in an environment lacking integrity.
“I disagree. If you’re telling me an LFA composed with criminals will develop, I do not want to be part of that LFA,” he declared, underscoring the need for values-based leadership and accountability within the sport.
Addressing infrastructure expectations, Raji urged realism and transparency, dismissing claims that stadium projects could be completed within nine months.
“I and the LFA will not tell you we will build a stadium in nine months. That is unrealistic. $4.5 million is a lot of money. Let us stop deceiving people,” he emphasized.
The Congress further exposed divisions within football governance, particularly after resistance to the LFA’s proposed budget. Raji warned that voting down financial plans could negatively impact grassroots initiatives, including an artificial turf project planned for Sinoe County.
Referencing global football governance standards, he noted that at FIFA Congress, budgets are rarely rejected, urging delegates to prioritize long-term development over personal interests.
“Think about the young girls and communities benefiting from these projects,” he appealed.
Raji also called on the Liberian government, led by President Joseph Boakai, to increase financial backing for clubs representing the country in international competitions. He proposed a $200,000 participation guarantee and at least $1 million annually dedicated to football development.
On governance reforms, the LFA boss highlighted improvements in financial transparency, citing a past incident where Mighty Barrolle reportedly lost $30,000 in transfer funds to a private account — an issue he said modern mechanisms like the FIFA Clearing House are designed to prevent.
Despite criticism and reported confrontations, including what he described as disrespect from some stakeholders, Raji remained resolute about his leadership.
“My dear stakeholders, if you’ve been asked to vote against the budget, you are not doing it to me. I am in football until 2029,” he concluded.
The Extraordinary Congress laid bare the ongoing power struggle within Liberian football governance but also highlighted the high stakes surrounding unity, integrity, and the sport’s future direction in the country
