Defends Reforms and Expansion for Women’s Game
Paynesville, Liberia – In a comprehensive speech at the LFA’s Extraordinary Congress, Mustapha Raji, president of the Liberia Football Association, presented a strong defense of the accomplishments of his administration, detailing extensive reforms, infrastructure investments, the growth of women’s football, and the modernization of governance.
Raji presented football development as a national unifier and an economic tool addressing delegates, club officials, government representatives, and international partners. He urged stakeholders to put long-term growth ahead of short-term political disagreements.
According to Raji, football development takes time. It calls for creativity, self-control, honesty, and group accountability. There were only three certified coach educators in Liberia when his administration took office in 2018, he disclosed. With the help of international partners and local stakeholders, that number has now increased to over 26.
He cautioned, however, that developments are still insufficient for a nation of over five million people, where football is the most popular sport. James Debbah and Kelvin Segbe, two former stars of the national team, have returned to serve as coach educators. Raji called this program crucial for local capacity building and sustainability.
One of his administration’s most notable accomplishments, according to Raji, is the quick growth of women’s football. In one league, there were just eight women’s teams; today, there are over thirty clubs across the country.
Margibi and Bong counties saw the introduction of new county leagues, and more are planned according to the FA President. He reported that Club subventions rose steadily from US$3,937 → US$4,200 → US$5,000 → US$6,000 → US$7,500 per club.
The championship prize money increased from US$1,500 to US$25,000, completely paid, President Raji noted.
He declared that the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company’s financial assistance has stabilized the funding of amateur and women’s football.
Raji revealed that he is still working with the Confederation of African Football to acquire US$100,000 in participation grants for women’s champions, which have already been obtained for men’s champions.
He attributed the advancement of reforms in African football to Dr. Patrice Motsepe, the president of CAF.
President Raji maintained that Liberian men’s champions, including Black Man Warriors and FC Fassell, receive:
US$30,000 domestic prize and US$100,000 CAF allocation, totaling US$130,000 per club.
Photo credit: LFA
