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By Myean D Torgbean
The race for the presidency of the Liberia Football Association (LFA) has intensified, with Mr. Cassell Anthony Kuoh Sr. formally declaring his candidacy and launching a blistering attack on incumbent President Mustapha Raji during the Association’s Extraordinary Congress.
Kuoh, who serves as President of FC Fassell, used the floor of the Congress to criticize what he described as a lack of measurable progress under Raji’s leadership, accusing the LFA boss of turning a constitutional gathering into a political platform.
“Congress is not a campaign rally. It is a constitutional body, and it should be treated with the seriousness it commands,” Kuoh declared before delegates and football stakeholders.
The Extraordinary Congress, which brought together club representatives, delegates, partners and observers, was convened to address key governance matters, including the confirmation of members to various independent bodies and the admission of new full members to the Association.
While congratulating those confirmed to serve on independent committees, Kuoh stressed the importance of neutrality and transparency ahead of the impending elections.
“Your role is to protect the process, defend fairness, and ensure that the coming election is organized in a manner that reflects transparency, independence, and integrity. That independence is not optional,” he said.
However, the central thrust of Kuoh’s address was a sharp rebuke of President Raji’s stewardship. Kuoh expressed disappointment that more than an hour of Congress time was allegedly used to “attack stakeholders, boldly campaign, question motives, and settle personal scores,” instead of presenting what he termed “hard evidence of progress.”
“When a leader has truly delivered, he does not need to attack; he presents results,” Kuoh asserted. “Today, instead of measurable achievements, we heard deflection. Instead of accountability, we heard blame.”
Kuoh made it unequivocally clear that he will contest the LFA presidency and dismissed claims from opponents that he may not appear on the ballot.
“I shall be a candidate for President of the Liberia Football Association in this coming election, and my name will appear on the ballot,” he stated emphatically. “I WILL WIN.”
Framing the contest as a straight fight between himself and Raji, Kuoh challenged the incumbent to what he metaphorically described as a “final match.”
“Let us face each other in an open, transparent, and credible election. Let the delegates vote freely. Let the better vision prevail. Do not run from the fixture. Do not postpone the kickoff. Do not try to adjust the scoreboard before the match begins,” he said.
Kuoh concluded by pledging to offer what he called a stronger vision for Liberian football, emphasizing professionalism, competitiveness and institutional integrity.
With both camps signaling readiness for a showdown, the upcoming LFA election is shaping up to be a closely contested two-horse race that could redefine the direction of football governance in Liberia.
