Mo Fan couldn't even pretend to be unaware of it. As the Archangel of the Holy City, Sharah knew a lot of things that went on in the world.
She mentioned that someone secretly manipulated Xinxia's goddess election, and a group of people supported Izisha. This meant that Xinxia had gradually gained the upper hand in the election. If it were not for the intervention of the Archangel, she would definitely be the goddess.
The Parthenon Temple was an independent force outside the Magic Association. Even the Holy City would not simply challenge the power of the Parthenon Temple. What they could do was to let the election be postponed indefinitely.
If the Parthenon Temple had only a Saintess without a goddess, it would be limited by internal battles.
However, these people behind the scenes seem to have failed in the end.