Monrovia – The Civil Society Coalition Against Fraud has condemned the arbitrary arrest and incarceration of Melton Yoko, Chairperson of the Montserrado County Sub-Association of the Liberia Football Association (LFA). The coalition accused FC Fassell President and CEO, Cassell Kuoh—a convicted felon in the United States who is now seeking the LFA presidency—of orchestrating Yoko’s arrest.
By Christopher C. Walker, [email protected]
Kuoh is yet to respond to the allegation.
Yoko, a seasoned football administrator, was apprehended by sheriffs of the Monrovia City Court at the SKD Sports Complex during Liberia’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Tunisia on Wednesday, March 19. His arrest came shortly after his return from national duty in Egypt, where he was part of the Liberia U-17 delegation.
He was served a writ of arrest for statements made on social media, in which he accused Kuoh of being behind a recent incident at the LFA headquarters. The incident involved members of the University of Liberia’s Student Unification Party (SUP) violently attacking LFA staff and damaging parts of the building. The protesting students had questioned the nationality of current LFA President Mustapha Raji, alleging that he is not Liberian.
In a strongly worded statement, the Civil Society Coalition Against Fraud criticized Kuoh’s actions, calling them an abuse of power.
“It is deeply troubling that an individual aspiring to lead Liberian football would resort to using the judicial system as a weapon to silence and intimidate stakeholders. This brazen display of vindictiveness and power abuse is a testament to Mr. Kuoh’s unsuitability for football leadership in Liberia,” the coalition stated.
The group further denounced Kuoh’s leadership ambitions, citing his past criminal record in the United States.
“The Civil Society Coalition Against Fraud denounces this reckless and authoritarian maneuver by Mr. Kuoh and reminds the football community of his checkered past. His open confession to fraud and 419 activities in the United States alone should render him unfit to hold any position of trust in Liberian football. It is an indictment of the system that such an individual remains embedded within the country’s football governance structure.”
According to a statement signed by Victor Hayes, Secretary General of the Civil Society Coalition Against Fraud, Kuoh’s orchestration of Yoko’s arrest raises concerns about his potential leadership style.
“If Mr. Kuoh is this brazen in orchestrating the wrongful arrest of football stakeholders simply for allegedly criticizing his involvement in an incident at the LFA headquarters, it is alarming to imagine how he would handle dissent if entrusted with the LFA presidency,” the statement read.
The coalition argued that Kuoh’s actions reflect a dictatorial and intolerant leadership approach, which could undermine the growth and governance of Liberian football.
Additionally, the group pointed out that Kuoh’s decision to bypass football’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms violated established protocols and ethical standards.
“Matters concerning football stakeholders should first be addressed through internal mechanisms, including the LFA Executive Committee, the Disciplinary Committee, or the Liberia National Olympic Committee,” the coalition asserted.
The statement also accused Kuoh of failing to distance himself from the attack on the LFA headquarters, further casting doubt on his integrity.
“This impetuous and disgraceful act underscores Mr. Kuoh’s lack of temperament, sportsmanship, and leadership acumen. His refusal to disassociate himself from the attack at the LFA headquarters raises serious concerns. Given his ongoing legal entanglements with multiple football stakeholders, including Madam Rochell Woodson and Mr. Melton Yoko, his actions suggest an agenda of personal vendetta rather than constructive football administration.”
The coalition warned that Kuoh’s ambitions posed a serious threat to the integrity of Liberian football and called on all stakeholders to reject his candidacy.
“The Civil Society Coalition Against Fraud decries this abuse of power and intimidation tactics and urges all football stakeholders to reject any attempt by Mr. Kuoh to ascend to the LFA presidency. His conduct is a stark reminder of the dangers of entrusting Liberian football to individuals with questionable integrity and authoritarian tendencies.”
The statement concluded with a call to action for FIFA, the LFA, and other relevant sports authorities to intervene.
“We demand that all football stakeholders remain vigilant and resolute against Mr. Kuoh’s egotistical ambitions, which threaten the sanctity and democratic values of the sport. His latest actions are a warning sign that he is unfit to lead, and we call upon the LFA, FIFA, and relevant sports authorities to take decisive action to prevent further desecration of Liberia’s football governance.”
“We stand firmly in solidarity with the Liberia Football Association and all other stakeholders subjected to intimidation. Football in Liberia must be led by individuals with integrity, vision, and a commitment to the sport—not by those who seek to manipulate legal and administrative systems,” Hayes stated in a press release issued on Thursday, March 21, 2025, in Monrovia.
Support Independent Journalism
Your support helps FrontPage Africa continue delivering independent, credible, and impactful journalism. Every contribution strengthens our ability to investigate, inform, and hold power accountable while keeping quality journalism accessible to our readers.
Support our journalism or subscribe to receive the latest FrontPage Africa stories and updates.
