Liberia: LFA Set for 30th Ordinary Congress as Raji Emerges Sole Presidential Candidate  - FrontPageAfrica

Monrovia – The Liberia Football Association (LFA) is finalizing preparations to host its 30th Ordinary Congress, a landmark gathering expected to shape the trajectory of football administration in Liberia over the next four years.

By Christopher C. Walker christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com

Held in accordance with LFA Statutes and the principles of global football governance, the Congress will convene 49 accredited delegates representing clubs and affiliates across the nation’s football pyramid.

Each delegate will exercise a single, equal vote in what the association describes as a democratic and inclusive decision-making process.

The agenda features 18 statutory items focused on governance, accountability, and the continued development of Liberian football.

However, the focal point remains the election of the LFA President and members of the Executive Committee.

But even before a single ballot is cast, the presidential race has effectively been decided.

The LFA Elections Committee has released its final list of approved candidates, leaving incumbent Mustapha I. Raji as the sole contender for the presidency following the disqualification of businessman and football stakeholder Cassell A. Kuoh.

The Committee confirmed that 27 of the 29 aspirants met the eligibility requirements for the May 15, 2026, Elective Congress. Kuoh, widely viewed as Raji’s primary challenger, was ruled ineligible under provisions of the LFA Statutes that bar individuals with prior criminal convictions from contesting leadership positions.

Integrity Clause Sparks Debate

Citing Articles 45.4 and 58.1 of the LFA Statutes (2018, as amended), the Elections Committee stated that the integrity clause remains “clear and uncompromising,” disqualifying any individual found guilty of a criminal offense regardless of rehabilitation or sentence completion.

“Personal rehabilitation, however commendable, does not override this statutory integrity requirement,” the Committee stated in its official communication.

According to the Committee, Kuoh acknowledged a prior conviction during the vetting process—a fact it noted was supported by public records.

The Elections Committee, headed by Meo D. Beyan, maintained that the decision was based strictly on the legal framework governing the association and aligned with FIFA and CAF ethical standards for football leadership. The Committee further emphasized that its role is limited to enforcing existing statutes, noting that any challenge to the legality of those provisions falls within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Liberia.

Kuoh’s disqualification leaves Raji on the verge of securing another mandate unopposed, mirroring the previous electoral cycle, where he also ran uncontested.

Women’s Football Race Intensifies

While the presidential race appears settled, the contest for the Women’s Football Representative position remains highly competitive. Three candidates have been cleared to contest:

Jodie Marian Reid Seton, Rochell G.D. Woodson, and Kaddieyatu Darrah Findley

The race is expected to draw significant attention amid growing calls for stronger investment and representation in the women’s game.

Executive Committee Battle Wide Open

The Executive Committee elections are shaping up to be the most fiercely contested aspect of the Congress, with over 20 candidates approved to compete for available seats. Those cleared by the Elections Committee include:

Those cleared by the Elections Committee include Anthony Z. Deinuka, Seiwon T. Seidi, Momo T. Cyrus, Sekou W. Konneh, Christian Weah Sr., Pawala Janyan, Hilary P. Sackie, Pokah K. Roberts, Tickly D. Monkoney Jr., Ivan G. Brown, Kai Farley, Saye-Taayor Adolphus Dolo, Kelvin M. Bayoh, and  Ansu V.S. Dulleh.

Others include Amos Tweh, Ignatius M. Boakai, Emmett Blayee, James Nimene, Cllr. K. Jlayteh Sayor, Wilmot F. Smith, Emmett Roacher Glassco, Elvis H. Sirleaf, and Civicus Siokin Barsi-Giah.

Meanwhile, aspirant Sekou V.I. Keita was disqualified for failing to meet nomination requirements under Article 45.3, which requires endorsement from at least one member of the association.

Questions Beyond the Ballot

As the May 15 Congress approaches, focus is increasingly shifting toward the Executive Committee races, which observers believe will determine the balance of influence and policy direction within Liberian football.

Yet, the absence of a contested presidential race has reignited debate over inclusiveness and democratic participation within the LFA—issues likely to linger long after the final votes are tallied.