Liberia Football Association president Mustapha Raji has thrown his full support behind FIFA president Gianni Infantino, crediting the FIFA Forward programme with improving football infrastructure and expanding participation across Liberia.
Raji, who has led the LFA since 2018, said Liberia’s football infrastructure was severely limited before the introduction of FIFA’s development programme.
He recalled that the Antoinette Tubman Stadium was effectively the country’s only major football facility when he first became involved in the sport.
Raji acknowledged the contributions of former LFA presidents Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr., Izetta Sombo Wesley and Musa Hassan Bility, as well as former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, to Liberia’s football development.
However, he highlighted the impact of FIFA Forward funding on the country’s recent progress.
FIFA Forward transforming facilities
Raji pointed specifically to the transformation of Tusa Field, which he said was converted from a sand pitch into a grass facility through FIFA Forward funding.
According to the LFA president, the improvement has benefited not only football but also businesses and supporters around the facility.
He also cited developments at Doris Williams Stadium, Gompa Stadium in Nimba County, Tomah Seh Floyd Stadium in Sanniquellie and the Willie Knuckles project.
Another major development, he said, has been the establishment of the Henry Nyema Browne National Academy under FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme.
“For the first time in the history of our country, Henry Nyema Browne National Academy [is] functional under the Talent Development Scheme,” Raji said.
Grassroots and women’s football growth
Raji also credited FIFA-backed initiatives with expanding opportunities for young players and women.
He said Liberia now has grassroots competitions at U12, U15 and U17 levels, while women’s football has also experienced significant growth.
He further noted that the LFA introduced direct financial support for clubs after taking office, arguing that this has helped clubs feel more involved in the development of the game.
Raji makes Infantino endorsement
Raji’s praise extended beyond FIFA’s development programmes to Infantino personally.
He described the FIFA president as a visionary leader and said his support was based on what he believes the FIFA Forward programme has achieved in Liberia.
Raji also addressed the upcoming FIFA presidential election, calling on anyone opposed to Infantino to challenge him through the electoral process rather than through political campaigns.
He said he would support Infantino’s re-election in March 2027, declaring that his backing would remain firm.
“I support President Gianni Infantino, not only on grounds of innovation or evolution of football, but I support President Gianni Infantino because he has helped transition Liberia,” Raji said.
