The battle over FC Fassell President Cassell Anthony Kuoh’s eligibility to contest the upcoming Liberia Football Association presidential election has intensified after the matter was formally placed before the Supreme Court of Liberia.
The case seeks a constitutional interpretation that could determine whether Kuoh can participate in the April 18, 2026 vote, setting the stage for a landmark legal decision with implications beyond football administration.
Information emerging from Kuoh’s camp indicates that the petition is not a direct lawsuit against the LFA but rather a request for judicial clarification regarding Article 58.1 of the federation’s statutes. The provision prohibits individuals with criminal convictions from seeking office within the governing body.
Kuoh’s legal team argues that the statute must be examined to confirm whether it aligns with Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, which they insist remains the ultimate legal authority in the country.
Sources close to the FC Fassell owner maintain that the challenge is centred on constitutional interpretation rather than confrontation with football authorities.
“We did not take the LFA to court. All we did was ask the Supreme Court to explain whether the statute of the LFA is in line with the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia,” a source told FrontPage Africa.
The Supreme Court has reportedly granted the LFA ten days to file a response. Failure to do so could result in the court delivering a ruling based solely on the petition, while a formal reply would likely trigger oral arguments before a final judgement is reached.
Kuoh’s supporters are also emphasising the LFA’s acceptance of public funds, arguing that government financing requires the association to adhere strictly to constitutional standards. They believe the issue could have been resolved earlier through internal reforms, including proposals for an Extraordinary Congress to review contentious statutes.
The controversy stems largely from Kuoh’s 2017 conviction in the United States, where he served 87 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud involving fraudulent gold and diamond exports.
Since completing his sentence in 2023, he has rebuilt his football profile, guiding FC Fassell to domestic league success while positioning himself as a strong challenger to incumbent LFA president Mustapha Raji.
Kuoh’s legal case is expected to rely on constitutional provisions guaranteeing restoration of civil rights after sentence completion, equality before the law, and freedom of association.
However, the LFA may counter by invoking FIFA regulations that protect member associations from government interference.
With the federation’s legal team facing a February 12 deadline to respond, the ruling could reshape both the election race and the relationship between national law and football governance in Liberia.
