Monrovia — Disqualified Liberia Football Association presidential aspirant Cassell Kuoh has launched a fierce challenge against his exclusion from the upcoming elections, vowing to pursue every possible avenue to remain in the race.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Speaking at a press conference after the decision by the Liberia Football Association Elections Committee, Kuoh made it clear that he is not backing down, declaring that the battle is far from over.
“I will fight this to the end,” Kuoh asserted, signaling the beginning of what could become a prolonged legal and administrative showdown ahead of the May 15 Elective Congress.
Defiant Response to Disqualification
Kuoh, who heads FC Fassell, was disqualified over provisions in the LFA statutes relating to integrity requirements. But in a strongly worded reaction, he rejected the decision, describing the process as flawed and unjust.
In one of his most striking remarks, Kuoh said even “Jesus Christ of Nazareth” would fail to meet the standards applied by the Elections Committee, an illustration of what he believes is an overly rigid and unfair system.
His comments reflect deep frustration and a refusal to accept what he and his supporters see as an orchestrated attempt to block his candidacy.
Legal Fight Takes Center Stage
Kuoh’s legal team, led by Atty. Joseph Yado Howe, has already begun mapping out a strategy to challenge the ruling.
According to the team, all internal appeal mechanisms within the LFA will be exhausted before escalating the matter further.
Though specific legal steps have not been fully disclosed, Kuoh’s camp is widely expected to seek intervention from the Supreme Court if necessary.
The move could potentially delay or disrupt the electoral process, depending on how the legal battle unfolds.
Determined to Stay in the Race
Despite the setback, Kuoh remains adamant that he will appear on the ballot.
“I will be a candidate in this election,” he declared confidently, reinforcing his determination to contest against incumbent LFA President Mustapha I. Raji.
His insistence sets the stage for a high-stakes confrontation that could test both the LFA’s electoral framework and Liberia’s broader legal principles regarding eligibility and fairness.
Kuoh also used the moment to reassure his supporters, urging them to remain steadfast as the situation unfolds.
His message has resonated with a segment of the football community that views his disqualification as controversial and deserving of further scrutiny.
Kouh’s Past Conviction
Kouh’s eligibility before the release of the candidates was the subject of intense debate due to his 2017 conviction in the United States.
Court records show that he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison.
The scheme reportedly defrauded investors of more than US$9.5 million through fraudulent gold and diamond export deals.
According to U.S. court documents, the fraudulent operation involved convincing victims that large quantities of gold bars and diamonds in Liberia were available for shipment to the U.S. for refinement and sale.
In one instance cited in the complaint, an investor identified as “D.S.” allegedly wired approximately US$3,687,030 between 2014 and 2015 to McDan Shipping Company Limited after being persuaded by individuals including Kouh, who allegedly used the alias “Tim Barrol.”
Return to Liberian Football
Since his release from prison in 2023, Kouh has re-emerged as a prominent figure in Liberian football.
He has invested heavily in the local league and recently led FC Fassell to a Liberian First Division title.
Despite his recent successes, Article 58.1 remains the primary obstacle to his ambition of contesting the LFA presidency, where he is widely viewed as the leading challenger to incumbent Mustapha Raji.
A Battle Beyond Football
While the dispute centers on football governance, Kuoh’s vow to fight has elevated the issue into a broader debate about rules, rights, and second chances within Liberian institutions.
As the election date draws closer, all eyes will be on whether Kuoh’s legal push can overturn the decision or at least force a reconsideration of the process.
For now, one thing is certain: Kuoh is not stepping aside quietly.
