Liberia: “LFA is using Football to Put the People against the Government,” Says Wilmot Smith, former LFA VPO

Monrovia – Wilmot Smith, former vice president for operations of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), has raised concerns about a recent release from the Football House’s official Facebook page. Smith alleges that the release, posted on June 14, 2023, with the caption “MYS rules out friendlies in June but recommits to CHAN,” was politically motivated.

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By Jaheim T. Tumu- [email protected]

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Smith believes that the intention behind the release was to embarrass the government, particularly as President George Weah seeks re-election. He points out that the government has consistently supported the participation of the senior national team in various international friendlies under the leadership of Mustapha Raji, the current administration’s head.

In his response, Smith states that the LFA, in an attempt to gain favor from the public, has never issued a release acknowledging the government’s sponsorship of international friendlies or games played in the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers. He emphasizes that it is the government’s responsibility as the owner of the national teams to sponsor or support them.

Smith argues that if the government lacks the funds to honor a particular game or competition, the LFA does not need to issue a release about it. He acknowledges the challenges the government has been facing and asserts that the LFA, as a non-political institution, should not be seen as antagonizing the government.

During his appearance on ELBC and subsequent relay on several stations on June 19, Smith highlighted the government’s numerous contributions to the LFA and the national teams. He specifically mentioned the achievements of the George Weah-led government, along with Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and Maritime Commissioner Eugene Nagbe.

Smith questions the utilization of the FIFA travel solidarity fund, amounting to US$1 million, by the LFA for the national teams. He alleges that the release in question was only intended to discredit the government and provide ammunition to its political opponents.

Furthermore, Smith acknowledged that without the government’s provision of duty-free privileges to the Football House, the country would not have seen the development of several mini-stadiums and other projects. He points out that President Weah has publicly praised Mustapha Raji, and therefore, Raji should reciprocate by publicly acknowledging President Weah and his government.