MONROVIA, Montserrado – Following months of elections dispute, the Liberian Football Association’s newly elected president, Mustapha Raji, has taken over the football house and made his first major decision to suspend the director of competition, Matthew Diggs.

Diggs had been accused of selling spaces to teams in the third division league for spots in the FA Cup. The LFA disclosed that there was evidence provided by clubs that proved that Diggs committed the act.

Raji has warned executive committee members to avoid corruption or be prepared to face the consequences. He further admonished incoming officials who prioritized enriching themselves at the expense of the public to immediately send in their resignations.

In the past, LFA has been plagued by allegations and admissions of corruption, and the new president has promised there would be no room for such acts under his administration.

Raji was elected on a white ballot during a special congress held at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex on September 9, succeeding Musa Bility. Four days ahead of the congress, the football association’s former Vice President Musa Shannon, who was the only contender in the special presidential elections, announced a decision to withdraw his candidacy for the good of the game.

Shannon had admitted to using US$1,500 from a US$50,000 fund sent by FIFA to carry out Ebola awareness. His declaration likely affected his bid to succeed Bility.

Featured photo by T. Kla Wesley Jr.