The president of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), Mustapha Raji, has firmly dismissed allegations that he receives honorarium from the LFA.
Raji emphasized his commitment to serving Football Association without financial compensation noting, “I am not rich, I am poor. The LFA cannot pay me and I came to the LFA to serve the football house.”
Responding to a sports journalist’s inquiry, he challenged critics to provide evidence of any honorarium he has received since his tenure began in 2018 adding, “If anyone shows proof, I will resign now.”
Raji clarified that he personally funds the fuel for his vehicle and does not receive any financial support from the LFA for his transportation stating that his primary focus is to ensure the development and improvement of football in Liberia.
Discussing the national team which the LFA oversees, Raji acknowledged the financial challenges they face in supporting the team.
Despite these difficulties, he affirmed the LFA’s goal of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, emphasizing that this objective is achievable through hard work.
Raji highlighted ongoing efforts by the FA to implement programs aimed at enhancing the game, particularly for Liberia’s talented young players and also addressed the role of Solomon Mudege, a Zimbabwean who has been working with FIFA to support football development in Liberia, including women’s football.
The LFA boss noted that Mudege has been involved since the tenure of LFA’s former president Musa Bility recounting how Mudege works with FIFA and is based in Paris.
Raji urged Liberians to focus their attention and energy on football development for the collective good of the sector.
He criticized those spreading misinformation, stating, “People who spill such misinformation do not know much about football and its development.”
Raji reaffirmed his dedication to football development, declaring, “I am focused and cannot be distracted. I remain committed to developing football. I am a tough nut to crack.”
He called for a collective approach to improving the game, acknowledging that while not everything at the LFA is perfect, significant efforts are being made to enhance the sector.
President Raji made these remarks during a media engagement with members of the Sports Writers Association of Liberia on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the LFA Headquarters in the Swankamore Community, Congo Town.
