Kouh Disqualified as Raji Emerges Sole Candidate in LFA Race

The Liberia Football Association’s Independent Elections Committee has disqualified FC Fassell CEO Cassell Anthony Kouh from contesting the LFA presidency, leaving incumbent Mustapha I. Raji as the sole candidate ahead of the May 15, 2026 elections. The Committee cited Articles 45.4 and 58.1 of the LFA Statutes (2018, as amended 2021-2023), which bar any individual found guilty of a criminal offense from contesting for the presidency or serving on the Executive Committee.

During a hearing before the Independent Electoral Committee, Kouh admitted to a prior criminal conviction in the United States. Public records and media reports confirm the conviction. In its ruling, the Committee said the phrase “shall not” in the statutes is “prohibitive and absolute,” creating a condition that disqualifies any candidate with a past conviction. “It does not matter if the sentence has been served or civil rights restored; the fact of conviction itself triggers ineligibility,” the Committee stated.

The Committee clarified that the statutes do not distinguish between felonies and misdemeanors and apply to all past convictions, regardless of when they occurred or whether they happened in Liberia or abroad. The provisions, it added, align with FIFA and CAF governance standards that stress ethical leadership and the exclusion of individuals with criminal records from football administration. The ruling comes despite an April 9, 2026 decision by the Civil Law Court that Kouh could contest the elections notwithstanding Articles 45.4 and 58.1. However, the Elections Committee noted the Court did not strike down the provisions as unconstitutional.

“The LFA is a self-regulating association governed by its statutes,” the Committee said. “Unless a provision is struck down by the Supreme Court or amended by Congress, the Electoral Committee is legally obligated to enforce it.” The Committee stressed it has no authority to change statutory language but must apply it as written. Only the LFA Congress can amend the statute to narrow its scope, or the Supreme Court can rule it unconstitutional. With Kouh’s disqualification, Mustapha Raji will run unopposed in next month’s poll as he seeks third term as LFA President.