FIFA Threatens Federation With Sanctions

FIFA Threatens Federation With Sanctions 

Sampson Adedeji

The Liberia Football Association (LFA) has been warned by world football governing body FIFA over ongoing legal actions seeking to halt its elective congress scheduled for April 18, 2026, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The warning follows a petition filed at a Liberian lower court by FC Fassell president, Cassell Kouh, who is requesting a preliminary injunction to stop the electoral process, along with a declaratory judgment.

In a letter dated March 22 and addressed to LFA General Secretary Emmett Crayton, FIFA cautioned that taking football-related disputes to civil courts amounts to “undue third-party influence.”

FIFA stressed that such actions violate its statutes and could attract serious sanctions, including the immediate suspension of Liberia from all international football activities.

“Recourse to ordinary courts of law is prohibited unless specifically provided for in FIFA regulations,” the letter stated.

The global body further advised that all disputes should be resolved through established football arbitration channels rather than national courts.

FIFA also directed the LFA to keep it updated on all legal proceedings.

The development comes amid rising tensions within Liberian football ahead of the April 18 elections, with stakeholders now faced with the risk of international suspension as the legal battle unfolds.