The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has launched an investigation into alleged corruption within the Liberia Football Association (LFA), focusing on government funding allocated to the association’s operations, including national teams and a controversial headquarters project. This investigation follows a petition submitted by the Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP) at the University of Liberia, demanding transparency and accountability regarding the LFA’s financial dealings. The SUP’s petition prompted the LACC to delve into grants and subsidies received from FIFA and CAF, government budgetary support, sponsorship and contract agreements, and gate revenues.
Former LFA Secretary-General Isaac T. Z. Montgomery has stated his willingness to cooperate with the LACC investigation, asserting his familiarity with procedural requirements and assuring his compliance upon receiving a formal invitation. Montgomery emphasized the existence of documented evidence, particularly concerning the US$319,000 allocated to the headquarters project, affirming that the transactions were processed through banking channels and that comprehensive documentation is available. He highlighted his direct involvement in these financial matters during his tenure as Secretary-General from December 2018 to December 2022.
Montgomery underscored the availability of audited financial statements and reports covering his time at the LFA, asserting that these records offer a clear and accurate representation of the financial transactions. He stressed that this documented evidence provides transparency and accountability regarding the use of funds, making it impossible to conceal any financial irregularities. This declaration of transparency contrasts with ongoing legal disputes between Montgomery and current LFA President Mustapha Raji, who sued Montgomery for defamation in December 2023 over comments related to the headquarters project.
The LACC’s investigation extends beyond Montgomery, encompassing other individuals identified as potentially involved in the alleged corruption. LFA President Raji has already appeared before the LACC, and the SUP has submitted a list of persons of interest, including former LFA Vice President Wilmot Smith and CESAF-Liberia chief executive officer Kpedee Woiwor. This broader scope signals the LACC’s commitment to a thorough investigation, aiming to uncover any wrongdoing and hold accountable those responsible.
The SUP’s petition and the subsequent LACC investigation highlight growing public concern over transparency and accountability within the LFA. The students’ demand for clarity on financial matters reflects a broader desire for good governance and responsible management of resources within Liberian football. The outcome of the LACC’s probe will have significant implications for the LFA, potentially leading to reforms and increased scrutiny of its financial practices.
The LACC, established in 2008 and re-established in 2022, plays a crucial role in combating corruption across Liberia’s public, private, and civil society sectors. Its mandate includes investigating allegations of corruption, identifying those involved, and assessing the extent of any financial losses or damage to public or private property. The LFA investigation exemplifies the LACC’s commitment to upholding its mandate and addressing concerns of corruption within prominent Liberian institutions. The investigation’s findings will be critical in determining the extent of any wrongdoing and implementing necessary measures to prevent future occurrences.
