Monrovia – Mustapha I. Raji has been re-elected unopposed as President of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), securing a third four-year term during the association’s 30th Ordinary Elective Congress held Friday at the LFA Headquarters in Congo Town.
By Christopher C. Walker christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com
The outcome extends Raji’s leadership of Liberian football through 2030 and solidifies his influence within the country’s football administration following years of institutional reforms and infrastructure development.
Delegates at the Congress overwhelmingly renewed confidence in Raji’s leadership amid what supporters describe as a transformative period for the LFA under his stewardship.
Raji’s previous terms were marked by an increased focus on football infrastructure, grassroots sustainability, youth leagues, women’s football, and stronger governance mechanisms aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the use of FIFA and CAF development funds.
Under his administration, the LFA also strengthened its relationship with the football world governing body FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), attracting increased international support for football development initiatives in Liberia.
Friday’s Congress itself represented a historic milestone for the federation, becoming the first elective congress ever held at the LFA’s own headquarters in Congo Town, a development many stakeholders credited to Raji’s infrastructure agenda.
A Call for Unity and AFCON 2027
Speaking shortly after his re-election, Raji called for unity among football stakeholders and urged collective support for Liberia’s football ambitions, particularly qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“It is now time for us to sit back, join hands together, and unite because football unites us. Let us push together and support our national team because we must qualify for AFCON 2027. To do that, we must continue to work together,” Raji said.
Honoring a Trailblazer
During the Congress, the LFA honored former President Cllr. Sombo Izetta Wesley with a customized football known as the “Sombo Ball” in recognition of her years of dedication and contribution to women’s football in Liberia.
The recognition formed part of activities celebrating individuals who have played significant roles in the development of the domestic game, particularly the female category.
New Team Bus and Financial Appeals
Raji also disclosed plans for the Liberia national football team to acquire a new 42-seat bus from the People’s Republic of China as part of ongoing sports cooperation between Liberia and China.
According to the LFA President, the customized bus will include onboard restroom facilities to support the transportation needs of Lone Star.
Arrangements for the acquisition are already underway between the LFA and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, though an official arrival date has yet to be announced.
The national team currently relies on existing buses owned by the local football house.
In another development, Raji appealed to the Government of Liberia and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to allocate a portion of the National County Sports Meet revenue to local football clubs that contribute players to the annual tournament.
“We are appealing to the Government of Liberia and to the Ministry of Youth and Sports that at least 10 percent of the County Meet revenue be distributed among clubs that release players for the tournament,” Raji stated.
Stakeholders React
The Congress attracted senior football officials and dignitaries, including representatives from FIFA and CAF. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also sent congratulations to Raji on his re-election.
Deputy Minister for Sports Andy G. Quamie praised Raji’s accomplishments during the Congress and called for greater public sector backing.
“Thanks Mr. President, you’ve done well. I hope the government can take a look at what you’ve accomplished and double their support to the Liberia Football Association,” Quamie said.
Meanwhile, FC Fassell Chief Executive Officer Anthony Cassell Kuoh described the outcome of the Congress as a victory for the sport, emphasizing the need for collaboration moving forward.
“Football won at the end of the day. We all love this game, let’s look beyond elections. I believe that football won today, and we are back to a new page. Let’s see what happens,” Kuoh said.
With a renewed mandate now secured, attention turns to whether Raji’s administration can build on recent gains and guide Liberian football toward greater international competitiveness, stronger domestic structures, and a long-awaited return to major continental tournaments.
