The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has officially launched an investigation into Mustapha Raji, President of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), over allegations of financial impropriety and abuse of office.
According to a statement released by the LACC on Wednesday, the inquiry follows a series of complaints submitted by concerned stakeholders within the Liberian football community, citing suspected mismanagement of funds, lack of transparency in procurement processes, and questionable financial reporting under Rajiโs leadership.
โThe Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission confirms the commencement of a formal investigation into the financial activities of the Liberia Football Association (LFA) under the leadership of Mr. Mustapha Raji,โ the statement read. โThis action follows multiple petitions and whistleblower accounts suggesting possible breaches of the Anti-Corruption Act and other relevant laws governing the use of public and donor funds.โ
Sources within the commission revealed that investigators will scrutinize financial transactions dating back to 2018, the year Raji assumed the presidency of the LFA. The investigation will reportedly cover sponsorship deals, FIFA and CAF grants, and infrastructure contracts executed during his tenure.
While the LACC has yet to summon Raji for questioning, preliminary interviews with several LFA officials and financial officers have already begun. Investigators are also expected to engage FIFA and CAF auditors for cross-referencing international funds allocations.
Raji, who is serving his second term as LFA President, has yet to comment publicly on the matter. However, LFAโs Communications Department issued a brief statement saying the Association โremains committed to transparency and will cooperate fully with the LACC to ensure that the truth is establishedโ.
The investigation comes at a critical time for Liberian football, as the national team prepares for up-coming international qualifiers and the LFA continues its ambitious infrastructure development plan, which includes the construction and renovation of stadiums across the country.
The LACC emphasized that the investigation is not a presumption of guilt but part of its legal mandate to ensure accountability in all institutions managing public and donor resources.
โPublic trust in national institutions, including sports bodies, hinges on transparency and integrity. We urge all individuals and entities involved to cooperate fully,โ the commissionโs statement concluded.
If proved, the allegations could have significant implications for Rajiโs presidency and Liberiaโs standing with international football governing bodies, including FIFA and CAF, both of which require strict adherence to financial governance standards.
