Monrovia -Murvee Gray, Assistant Minister for Sports and a member of the Executive Committee of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), has publicly declared his support for incumbent LFA President Mustapha I. Raji, who is seeking a third term in elections scheduled for April 2026.
Speaking at a news conference recently in Paynesville, Gray said his endorsement of Raji is based on personal loyalty, citing financial and moral support he received from the LFA president during his own campaign for an Executive Committee seat.
Gray, who represents the Academicals constituency, which oversees varsity and interschool sports, said he feels morally obligated to support Raji’s re-election.
“I don’t want to be like in Shakespeare’s play where Brutus betrayed Caesar. In my own capacity, I have to make sure he is re-elected. In a rare public admission, Gray acknowledged receiving material assistance from Raji during difficult times. I was receiving handouts from Mustapha, to be very frank and there’s nothing secret about it. He supported me when I was down, and I cannot repay him with ingratitude.” Gray said.
He further maintained that he is actively mobilizing several LFA affiliate bodies to support Raji’s candidacy.
Among the groups he mentioned are the Liberia Football Referees Association, Bankers Association, Academicals, Liberia Sports Medics Association, Beach Soccer Association, and the Liberia National Timber Association.
According to Gray, his backing of Raji is also driven by what he described as tangible development within Liberian football under the current administration.
He pointed to improved organization among affiliate bodies, progress within the Interschool Sports Association, and infrastructure projects across the country.
“Look at the level of development Raji is carrying out. In my hometown of Clay in Bomi County, there will be a regional hub. Infrastructure is spreading across the country.” Minister Gray noted.
Gray’s position, however, has drawn criticism from some football stakeholders, particularly over concerns of conflict of interest. Following his appointment as Assistant Minister for Sports, Gray initially remained on the LFA Executive Committee, prompting public backlash.
He later stepped down from his role as Vice President for Administration of the Interschool Sports Association.Mustapha Raji, a telecommunications expert, has led the LFA since 2018.
His administration has overseen several FIFA-backed infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of football pitches nationwide and the relocation of the LFA from rented offices to a permanent headquarters completed in 2022.
Women’s football has also expanded during Raji’s tenure, with increased participation and competition structures.
Despite these gains, critics argue that Liberia’s national teams have underperformed over the past eight years, raising questions about on-field results under his leadership.
Raji faces a challenge from Cassell A. Kuoh, who has promised sweeping reforms if elected. Kuoh has pledged to qualify Liberia for the FIFA World Cup within four years, though critics have questioned his eligibility and feasibility of his campaign promises.
As the April 2026 elections draw closer, the LFA contest is shaping up to be a closely watched and highly debated race, with governance, loyalty, development, and performance emerging as central issues in Liberian football.
