The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into alleged corruption within the Liberia Football Association (LFA). This probe, prompted by a petition from the Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP) at the University of Liberia, focuses on the government’s financial contributions to the LFA, encompassing national team operations and the contentious headquarters project. The SUP’s petition also calls for scrutiny of grants and subsidies from FIFA and CAF, transparency regarding government budgetary support, sponsorship and contract agreements, and gate revenue management. The LACC’s investigation aims to uncover any financial improprieties and determine the extent of potential losses or damages to public and private funds.
Isaac T. Z. Montgomery, former secretary-general of the LFA, has affirmed his willingness to cooperate with the LACC investigation. Maintaining his innocence, Montgomery emphasized his readiness to provide testimony and relevant documentation. He highlighted the existence of verifiable records pertaining to the US$319,000 allocated for the headquarters project, asserting that these funds were channeled through proper banking procedures. Montgomery underscored his familiarity with the financial transactions related to the project and expressed confidence that the available documentation would corroborate his account. He also pointed to the availability of audited financial statements covering his tenure from December 2018 to December 2022, which, he claims, provide a transparent record of the LFA’s financial dealings during this period.
Montgomery further emphasized the existence of comprehensive documentation regarding government contributions to the LFA’s operations, including funding for national teams. He reiterated that these financial records are readily available and subject to scrutiny. These audited statements, he maintained, offer irrefutable evidence of the LFA’s financial activities, thereby precluding any attempts to conceal or manipulate financial information. He expressed confidence that these records would demonstrate the proper handling of funds during his time at the LFA.
While acknowledging the students’ right to demand transparency and accountability within the football governing body, Montgomery expressed disapproval of a recent violent protest at the LFA. He believes that such actions undermine the spirit of constructive dialogue and due process. He emphasized the importance of addressing concerns through proper channels and allowing the investigation to proceed unimpeded by external pressures. He stressed his commitment to cooperating fully with the LACC and providing all necessary information to aid their investigation.
The LACC’s investigation has also involved LFA President Mustapha Raji, who appeared before the commission on May 29th. Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, Raji has filed a defamation lawsuit against Montgomery for comments made regarding the headquarters project. This legal action, initiated in December 2023, remains pending. The SUP, in their pursuit of accountability, has also submitted a list of individuals of interest to the LACC, including former LFA Vice President Wilmot Smith and CESAF-Liberia chief executive officer Kpedee Woiwor.
The LACC, established in 2008 and re-established in 2022, plays a crucial role in combating corruption within Liberia. Its mandate extends to investigating allegations of corruption across all sectors – public, private, and civil society. The commission’s primary objective is to identify individuals involved in corrupt practices, assess the extent of financial losses or damages incurred, and ultimately hold those responsible accountable. The ongoing investigation into the LFA represents a significant test of the LACC’s ability to effectively address corruption within a prominent national institution. The outcome of this investigation will likely have significant implications for the future of Liberian football and the fight against corruption in the country.
