FIFA Issues Liberia Ultimatum to Resolve Football Election Dispute

Monrovia, Liberia: The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has given Liberia a seven-day ultimatum to sort out the impasse surrounding its Football body election or risk serious consequences including ban.

The World Football governing body warned that the legal dispute facing the Liberia Football Association's election should be withdrawn from ordinary court and addressed through appropriate sports arbitration channels.

FIFA's communication directed to the Liberia Football Association dated April 2, 2026, comes after the Civil Law Court of Liberia issued a permanent injunction on the pending elections of the FA.

This followed a petition filed by embattled presidential aspirant in LFA pending elections, Cassell A. Kouh. Kouh has taken the LFA to civil court on several counts, including alleged violations of his rights to contest the election.

The contention stemmed from his conviction in the U.S for criminal offences involving investment fraud. The LFA on said ground has challenged Kouh's eligibility in line with Article 58. 1 of its statutes.

Article 58. 1 of the LFA statutes states: "The President, Vice Presidents, and Executive Committee members shall not have been found guilty of criminal offence."

Cassell A. Kouh's legal team is seeking further interpretation of the statutes at the civil court, arguing that it's run contrary to the Liberian constitution, the superior law in the country.

With a permanent injunction issued by the court on all activities of the pending LFA April 18, 2026 Elective Congress until a final judgement is made, FIFA has described the move as a third-party interference and said it is prohibited under its global football statutes.

The World Football governing body cites Article 14 part 1 (0) and Article 19 part 1 of its Statutes, stating that all members association including the LFA are required to manage its affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties.

However, FIFA has mandated the Liberia Football Association to provide a detailed report on the situation regarding means to find a resolution in the next 7 seven days.

The global football body in the communication signed by its Chief Member Association Officer, Elkhan Mammadov, warned that failure to resolve the dispute appropriately per the ultimatum, could result in suspension of Liberia's membership.

Other penalties listed by FIFA include sanctions from participating in international competitions, pause of financial support, and prohibition of other member associations from maintaining sporting contact with the LFA.

"In this regard, we kindly request that you provide us, no later than 9 April 2026, with a detailed update on the measures taken to address the situation and to ensure compliance with the above-mentioned obligations."

"Should the situation remain unresolved within the aforementioned deadline, we will be compelled to submit this matter to the competent FIFA bodies, for consideration and decision, which could lead to the suspension of the LFA in accordance with the FIFA Statutes", the communication stated.

Meanwhile, FIFA has urged all stakeholders and aggrieved parties in the LFA pending elections to adhere to its statues and the laws governing the local football house to maintain the integrity of the sport.

"We hereby formally request that the LFA, and all relevant stakeholders take immediate and concrete steps to ensure full compliance with the FIFA Statutes and the LFA Statutes to ensure that the LFA is able to manage its affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties".

"Taking all necessary measures to ensure that football-related disputes are handled exclusively within the framework of the dispute resolution mechanisms provided for under the applicable football regulations. Refraining from any further actions that may result in or reinforce the involvement of ordinary courts in matters relating to the internal governance and electoral process of the LFA", the World Football body highlighted.