Africa-Press – Liberia. Gray confirmed his decision in a statement to reporters, citing personal conviction and a long-standing intention to serve only one term in those roles.
Assistant Minister for Sports Murvee Gray has resigned from two key positions in Liberian football governance: Chairman on Academics at the Liberia Football Association (LFA) and Vice President for Administration at the Inter-School Sports Association (ISSA).
Gray confirmed his decision in a statement to reporters, citing personal conviction and a long-standing intention to serve only one term in those roles.
“I wanted one term,” Gray said. “It is time that we step aside so others can come forward. Maybe there is another person that will run to represent other institutions.”
Gray played a pivotal role in the development of youth and school sports in Liberia. As a leader within ISSA, he helped transition the organization from a Monrovia-based entity into a nationwide platform. His tenure saw the reunification of breakaway factions and the establishment of two operational zones under one umbrella.
“We were able to bring all the other breakaway factions together—Paynesville, Sinkor, Borough—and now we have one united Inter-School Sports Association of Liberia,” he said.
Gray also secured an annual subsidy from the LFA for ISSA, which enabled the hosting of national school sports championships and helped expand school-based football across Liberia. The upcoming national championship in Gbarnga will be one of the final events he oversees under ISSA.
While Gray insists his resignation was not prompted by conflict or political pressure, some observers have raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest due to his simultaneous roles in government and football administration. He rejected such claims.
“We have the power of recusal,” he said, comparing the situation to judicial practices. “That is not the reason I’m stepping down.”
He cited previous examples of individuals holding dual roles, including Philibert Brown, a former government official who served in national federations.
Gray acknowledged that he did not formally notify the ISSA President before resigning, calling it a personal decision.
“When you are convicted within, and you feel that it is the right decision, sometimes you don’t have to consult,” he stated.
Despite stepping down from the LFA and ISSA, Gray affirmed he is not leaving sports. A former referee, coach, commissioner, and administrator, he continues to serve as Assistant Minister for Sports—a role he described as the head of all technical sports groups in Liberia.
“My whole life is sports. Since 1987, I’ve been involved,” he said.
His resignation comes months ahead of the LFA’s 2026 elections, sparking speculation about political realignments. Gray, a known supporter of LFA President Mustapha Raji, acknowledged their strong working relationship but noted that his future endorsements are not guaranteed.
“I saw in Mustapha a developmental-oriented person,” he said. “He built capacity and infrastructure, and I supported him for that. But who knows? Anything can happen.”
Going forward, Gray said he will focus on his responsibilities at the Ministry of Youth and Sports while continuing to support the broader development of sports in Liberia.
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