Monrovia—The race for the presidency of the Liberia Football Association (LFA) has effectively been decided even before a single ballot is cast, after the LFA Elections Committee released its final list of qualified candidates, leaving incumbent Mustapha I. Raji as the sole contender.
By Christopher C. Walker [email protected]
In a decision that is already stirring debate within Liberian football circles, the Committee confirmed that 27 of the 29 aspirants met the eligibility requirements to contest the May 15, 2026 Elective Congress.
However, the disqualification of businessman and football stakeholder Cassell A. Kuoh has cleared the path for Raji to run unopposed for a second consecutive term.
Kuoh, widely viewed as Raji’s strongest challenger, was ruled ineligible based on provisions within the LFA Statutes that bar individuals with prior criminal convictions from contesting leadership positions.
Strict Adherence to Statutes Cited
Citing Articles 45.4 and 58.1 of the LFA Statutes (2018, as amended), the Committee emphasized that the integrity clause remains “clear and uncompromising,” disqualifying any individual found guilty of a criminal offense, regardless of rehabilitation or completion of a sentence.
“Personal rehabilitation, however commendable, does not override this statutory integrity requirement,” the Committee stated in its official release.
According to the committee Kuoh himself acknowledged a prior conviction during the vetting process a fact supported by public records.
The Committee maintained that its decision was grounded strictly in the legal framework governing the association and aligned with international standards set by FIFA and CAF on ethical leadership in football administration.
The Committee, headed by Cllr. Meo D. Beyan, stated that all vetting procedures ensured qualified candidates met requirements related to age, nationality, residency, education, football involvement, and integrity.
The Committee further noted that its mandate is limited to enforcing existing rules, stressing that any challenge to the legality of these provisions must be addressed by the Supreme Court of Liberia.
Kuoh’s disqualification leaves Mustapha Raji on the verge of securing another mandate without opposition, mirroring the previous electoral cycle where he also ran uncontested.
Keita Disqualified; Women’s and Executive Races Heat Up
The Committee also announced the disqualification of aspirant Sekou V.I. Keita, citing a failure to meet nomination requirements under Article 45.3, which mandates endorsement by at least one member of the Association.
Despite the controversy surrounding the presidential race, the contest for other positions remains highly competitive:
For the Women’s Representative three candidates have been cleared to contest which include incumbent Jodie Marian Reid Seton, Rochell G.D. Woodson, and Kaddieyatu Darrah Findley.
Meanwhile, Executive Committee elections promises to be the most difficult set with several top football stakeholders including current Government officials in the race.
It’s a crowded field of over 20 candidates that has been approved to vie for the remaining positions, setting the stage for a keenly contested battle for influence within the country’s football governing body.
Approved Candidate Roster
The final list of candidates cleared by the LFA Elections Committee for the President
* Mustapha I. Raji
Women’s Representative
* Jodie Marian Reid Seton
* Rochell G.D. Woodson
* Kaddieyatu Darrah Findley
Executive Committee
* 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
* Ansu V.S. Dulleh
* Amos Tweh
* Ignatius M. Boakai
* Emmett Blayee
* James Nimene
* Cllr. K. Jlayteh Sayor
* Wilmot F. Smith
* Emmett Roacher Glassco
* Elvis H. Sirleaf
* Civicus Siokin Barsi-Giah
Looking Ahead
As the May 15 Elective Congress approaches, attention is shifting from the presidential race to the outcome of the Executive Committee elections, which will play a critical role in shaping the future direction of football governance in Liberia.
For many observers, however, the absence of competition at the top raises fresh questions about inclusiveness and democratic participation within the LFA issues that are likely to persist well beyond the upcoming Congress.
