By: Julius Konton
The April 18, 2026 elections of the Liberia Football Association (LFA) have taken on renewed intensity and competitiveness following the formal declaration of candidacy by Rochell Woodson, a seasoned football administrator and long-standing advocate for transparency, accountability, and women’s football development.
Woodson, a former Executive Committee member of the LFA, announced her intention to contest for the Executive Committee seat for Women’s Football, signaling what analysts describe as a potentially transformative moment for governance in Liberia’s women’s game.
Speaking in an interview with journalists, Woodson emphasized that her decision is rooted in decades of experience and a firm belief that women’s football in Liberia requires stronger institutional backing, clearer accountability mechanisms, and sustained investment.
“Women’s football must no longer be treated as an afterthought.
It must be mainstreamed into policy, funding, and technical development,” Woodson said.
A Pivotal Election for Liberia’s Football Future
The 2026 LFA elections come at a critical juncture for Liberian football.
Despite steady growth in participation particularly among women and girls structural challenges persist, including limited funding, weak league systems, and governance gaps.
According to LFA and regional football data, women’s football participation in Liberia has increased by more than 40 percent over the past decade, yet the country continues to lag behind several West African counterparts in league sustainability, coaching certification, and international competitiveness.
Observers note that the growing competitiveness of the April 18 polls reflects increasing awareness among football stakeholders that governance quality directly impacts on-field success, sponsorship confidence, and youth development.
A Record Rooted in Reform and Global Experience
Widely regarded as one of Liberia’s most accomplished football administrators, Woodson brings over 30 years of experience spanning grassroots development, club administration, continental officiating, and international football governance.
She previously served as:
Former Executive Committee Member, Liberia Football Association
Former Committee Member, FIFA
Former Match Commissioner, CAF
Former Board Chair, FC Fassell
Her leadership résumé also includes:
Former President, Gardnersville FC
Former President, Kneeling Warriors Football Club
Former President, Earth Angels Sports Association
Shareholder/President, World Girls Football Club
CEO, Rover Ladies Football Club, competing in the Nimba Lower Women’s League
Analysts say this breadth of experience positions Woodson as one of the most technically grounded candidates in the women’s football race.
Academic Credentials Rare in African Football Administration
Woodson is also recognized for her academic background, which remains rare within football governance circles in West Africa.
She is the first Liberian to earn a Master’s degree in Sports Leadership from Northeastern University, equipping her with advanced expertise in sports governance, ethics, and organizational leadership.
Her academic portfolio further includes:
Master’s Degree in Public Administration, University of Liberia
Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy and International Relations, Gabriel A. Dennis Foreign Service Institute, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Experts argue that this combination of academic training and field experience could enhance policy formulation, stakeholder engagement, and international credibility for Liberia’s women’s football programs.
A Voice for Accountability and Women’s Empowerment
Throughout her career, Woodson has earned a reputation for speaking truth to power, particularly on issues affecting women footballers ranging from player welfare and fair compensation to equal access to facilities and competitions.
Women’s football stakeholders say her candidacy resonates at a time when global football bodies, including FIFA and CAF, are increasing funding for women’s programs, but local associations must demonstrate capacity, transparency, and strategic vision to fully benefit.
What’s at Stake on April 18
With the election slated for April 18, Woodson’s entry has clearly reshaped the political dynamics within the LFA.
Analysts believe the contest for the women’s football seat will be one of the most closely watched races, both domestically and among international development partners.
As Liberia seeks to align its football governance with global best practices, the outcome of the April 18 election could determine whether women’s football remains marginalized or finally moves to the center of national football policy.
For many in the game, Rochell Woodson’s candidacy represents not just an election bid, but a referendum on experience, reform, and the future of women’s football in Liberia.
