Africa-Press – Liberia. The race for the presidency of the Liberia Football Association (LFA) appears to be heavily in favor of the incumbent, Mustapha Raji, after more than 30 voting delegates officially signed a resolution backing his third-term bid.
The endorsement, coming just weeks before the April 18 Elective Congress in Harper, Maryland County, effectively gives Raji a “supermajority” of the 50 total votes available, potentially turning the highly anticipated election into a one-sided affair.
‘Unconditional Support’
In a formal declaration issued in Monrovia on Monday, March 23 that was read by Ansu VS Fulleh, the delegates representing various clubs and sub-associations described their support as “unconditional.”
They argued that the LFA has undergone a “radical transformation” since Raji first took the helm in 2018.
“We have seen the evidence of growth, from the grass on our pitches to the walls of our new headquarters,” the resolution stated.
Dulleh, a former Executive Committee member at the LFA, said though they have 30 voters the number could increase because others are asking to commit to the resolution.
The delegates highlighted the decentralization of Liberian football, specifically pointing to the construction of mini-stadiums in rural counties, a move they say has brought the “beautiful game” closer to the people outside of Monrovia.
The Thirty (30) Stakeholders Endorsing President Raji’s Third-Term Bid are Paynesville FC,LISCR FC,Wein Town FC,LIFRA,Blackman Warriors,Mighty Barrolle SA,Real Muja FC,LIFOCA,Watanga FC,LONA,Tap Tap FC,LPRC Oilers,Borough FC,Downtown FC,Gedeh FC,Gardnerville FC,Cece United ,Freeport FC,PAGS FC,Earth Angels FC,ISSA FC,Discoveries FC,Margibi FC,LISMA,Falconets FC,Small Town FC,Ravia Angels FC,Bushrod Queens FC,District 17 FC,Golden Dream FC
By The Numbers: The Financial Shift
A key pillar of the delegates’ endorsement rests on the significant increase in financial support to local clubs.
The resolution pointed to a major jump in subventions and prize money, which supporters say has professionalized the domestic leagues:
According to the statement Club Subventions has Increased from a meager US$3,937 to US$7,500 where 1st Division Prize: Now stands at US$30,000.
The Women’s Upper League winner not take home US$25,000 for champions.
For the 2nd Division it has Increased to US$10,000.
“These numbers aren’t just statistics; they are the lifeblood of our clubs,” the statement noted, adding that the expansion of youth football (U-15 to U-20) has given the country a competitive edge on the continental stage.
Defying the Legal Storm
The show of solidarity comes at a time when the LFA is embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle.
FC Fassell President Cassell Kouh’s recent move to seek a court injunction against the elections has put Liberia in the crosshairs of FIFA, which has threatened the country with a global ban for “third-party interference.”
However, the pro-Raji bloc seems undeterred.
In their resolution, they pushed back against “negative utterances” and “distractions” from opposition elements, calling for a strict adherence to football statutes rather than civil court interventions.
The Road to Maryland
With over 60% of the electorate now publicly committed to the incumbent, the April 18 Congress in Harper is shaping up to be a test of whether the opposition can break the “Raji Bloc” or if the incumbent will sail through to another four-year term.
As the “Harper 2026” slogan gains momentum, the LFA finds itself at a crossroads balancing a clear domestic mandate for continuity against the external threat of international sanctions.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
