The recent investigative report by The Liberian Investigator newspaper questioning the financial entitlements of Liberia Football Association (LFA) President Mustapha Raji has sparked debate, with the former Secretary General of the Sports Writers Association of Liberia, Webster Cassell, arguing that the report lacks concrete evidence of financial misconduct.
The investigation, which focused on Raji’s earnings from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), raised concerns about transparency but failed to establish any violations of financial regulations according to Cassell.
Instead, critics of the report are arguing that it misrepresents standard administrative practices as potential wrongdoing without offering factual proof.
Webster Cassell, a football analyst and journalist, responded to the claims in an article challenging the report’s credibility. He pointed out that while the report outlines Raji’s stipends and allowances, it does not present any evidence of misappropriation or misuse of funds.
“There is no indication of financial mismanagement or unethical enrichment,” Cassell stated. “As a journalist, I expected the report to either expose Raji for understating his earnings from CAF, FIFA, or LFA, or to present credible evidence of financial misconduct. Instead, it merely highlights routine financial entitlements.”
The report details Raji’s reported US$80,000 annual stipend as a CAF Executive Committee member, alongside travel and accommodation perks for official functions. However, Cassell noted that these benefits are consistent with international football administration standards.
“These are standard allocations meant to cover official responsibilities, and they are not unique to Raji,” he emphasized. “Such benefits existed long before his tenure as LFA President.”
Cassell further criticized the investigative report for its tone, stating that it appeared politically motivated rather than fact-driven. He argued that speculation without proper context can mislead the public and create unnecessary controversy.
“The investigator’s rhetoric appears overly aggressive, distorting standard administrative procedures into something nefarious,” Cassell noted. “If the claim is that Raji receives perks beyond what is standard, where is the evidence?”
He added that the purchase of an official vehicle for the LFA President, as part of a congress-approved budget, was also being misrepresented. “This is a common practice in professional institutions and should not be misconstrued as an extravagant benefit,” he said.
Rather than fixating on Raji’s earnings, Cassell suggested that investigative efforts should focus on broader financial transparency within Liberian football.
“A responsible approach would be to evaluate the LFA’s financial governance, ensure that football development funds are used effectively, and hold clubs accountable for their financial discipline,” he recommended.
He questioned whether local football clubs were disclosing their earnings from sponsorships, international transfers, and third-party deals. “Transparency at all levels of football administration is crucial to fostering trust and accountability in the sport,” he added.
Cassell also pointed to Liberia’s recent ranking as the 5th most financially disciplined football federation in Africa, according to CAF. He argued that this recognition underscores Raji’s credibility and Liberia’s progress in football governance.
“This achievement enhances Liberia’s standing in international football administration,” he said. “Rather than trying to discredit Raji’s earnings, efforts should be directed toward strengthening governance structures and ensuring funds are utilized efficiently.”
While transparency and accountability remain critical in football governance, Cassell maintained that allegations of misconduct should be backed by solid evidence.
“The focus should remain on constructive scrutiny rather than speculative claims,” he concluded.
The debate surrounding Raji’s earnings continues, but until concrete proof of wrongdoing emerges, critics argue that the recent investigative report fails to substantiate any financial violations.
