Former Liberia Football Association (LFA) official Wilmot F. Smith has made shocking revelations about LFA President Mustapha Raji’s behavior towards national team players. Smith alleged that Raji insulted former national team player Ishola Raji and other players who endorsed Cassell Kuoh for LFA President in the upcoming elections.
According to Smith, Raji made a disparaging comment at the LFA Congress on February 22, saying some former national team players would be “unrecognizable” if they stood at Waterside. Smith claimed this was not an isolated incident, citing a 2019 case where Raji allegedly disrespected national team players over their per diem payments for international matches against Congo DRC and Ivory Coast.
Smith alleged that Raji sent the team’s $190,000 budget to an unknown “Fula friend” on the executive committee to exchange for clean bills at a discount and later refused to pay the players their full per diem. The players reportedly refused to play unless they received their payment, leading to a confrontation with Raji, who allegedly called them “foolish” and “wheelbarrow boys”.
The situation was resolved after another executive committee member intervened, providing $8,000 for the players. Smith claimed Raji’s actions showed a lack of respect for national team players and vowed to reveal more incidents in the coming days.
The allegations have sparked outrage, with calls for Raji to apologize to the national team players and for the LFA to take action. The incident highlights concern about the treatment of Liberian footballers and the need for respect and recognition for their contributions to the sport.
