MONROVIA – A five-day LFA/FIFA Elite Youth Goalkeeper Coaches’ Workshop successfully concluded on Friday, December 5, at the Liberia Football Association (LFA) headquarters.

By: Christopher C. Walker (0777898224/0886723075 | christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com

Twenty-three (23) goalkeeping coaches successfully participated in the high-profile course, which ran intensively from December 1 to 5.

During the workshop, coaches underwent theory and practical sessions, gaining invaluable knowledge from topics such as Goalkeeper methodology and the role of the goalkeeper coach in modern football.

During the closing ceremony, lead FIFA Instructor Alejandro Heredia stressed that while the course was concluding, the real work for the participants was just beginning.

“This is not the end this is just the beginning,” he stated. “You now have the responsibility to take this knowledge and train Liberian goalkeepers and change the narrative of football in this country.”

Heredia urged the participants to utilize the specialized knowledge and implement it immediately to elevate standards and ensure the next generation of Liberian keepers can compete effectively on the global stage.

LFA Pledges Support

LFA President Mustapha Raji congratulated the participants not only for attending but also for their clear dedication to football development—a commitment he called vital for the future of the game in Liberia.

The President then reemphasized his administration’s unwavering pledge: “Developing football at all levels remains the cornerstone of our mandate.”

He assured the coaches that the Association would fully support their efforts to implement the specialized training they had received.

Finally, he extended his gratitude to instructors Heredia and Cameron Cox for selflessly sharing their invaluable knowledge and acknowledged the foundational support for the entire initiative provided by FIFA.

Coaches Express Gratitude

Speaking on behalf of the twenty-three coaches, Nathaniel Sherman extended gratitude to the LFA for organizing the high-profile training and for its continuous effort to invest in football development.

He also thanked the FIFA Instructors for the invaluable knowledge, modern techniques, and specialized methodologies they had shared over the five days.

The coaches acknowledged that the training had equipped them with the necessary expertise to implement their duties effectively at their respective clubs and with the national teams.

Monrovia – In fulfillment of a special request made by President Joseph N. Boakai, the Liberia Football Association (LFA) has officially handed over a complete set of artificial turf materials to the Government of Liberia for installation at the Momo Taweh Sports Pitch in Grand Cape Mount County.

By: Christopher C. Walker 0777898224/0886723075 christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com

The handover ceremony, held over the weekend, marked a major step in the LFA’s continued push to decentralize sporting facilities and improve football infrastructure across the country.

Raji Reaffirms LFA’s Commitment

Speaking during the program, LFA President Mustapha I. Raji reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working with the government to ensure quality sporting facilities are developed nationwide.

“As part of our own commitment to work with the government in line with the vision of the President, we are happy on behalf of the executive committee about this collaboration,” Raji said. “We believe this is one of the best ways to develop infrastructure in our country and create opportunities in terms of short-term and long-term jobs during the period of installation. Big thanks to our friends from the Saudi Football Federation who provided us with these materials.”

Raji further urged the government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to partner with federations in lobbying for more international support.

“There are many opportunities out there, but we cannot do it alone. Therefore, we stand ready to continue the collaboration and support this kind of initiative. We wish the people of Cape Mount the best and hope that they can embrace it and consider it their own work,” he added.

Government Commits to Partnership

Receiving the turf on behalf of the Government, Cornelia Kruah-Togba, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, extended appreciation to the LFA for honoring President Boakai’s request.

“We will join you in your vision to extend and decentralize football pitches across the country in whatever way we can, and we remain committed to doing that,” she said.

Local Leaders Welcome Development

Also present at the ceremony, Grand Cape Mount County Senator Debah M. Varplah expressed gratitude to both the LFA and the government for selecting Cape Mount as a beneficiary of the project.

“We are very grateful that, for the first time, such development in the entire region is going to Grand Cape Mount County. I believe the people of Cape Mount will be so happy, especially the young people,” Senator Varplah noted.

Installation Responsibility

Under the agreement, the Government of Liberia will undertake the construction and preparation of the sub-base and oversee the installation of the turf, while the LFA will provide technical support where necessary.

The materials include: a full set of artificial grass, geotextile fabric, goalposts (one standard-size pair and two youth-size pairs), metallic fencing, SRB infill, adhesive glue, joining tape, and dugout seating all required for the installation of a modern standard-size football pitch.

The installation of the turf in Grand Cape Mount is expected to bring new energy to the county’s sporting scene, giving young people access to modern football facilities and creating opportunities for both community development and talent growth.

The new turf in Cape Mount is expected to create jobs, support youth player development, decentralize sports infrastructure beyond Monrovia, boost community pride through hosting events, and open doors for more international sports partnerships.

Monrovia – In a major development for Liberian football, Bettomax Liberia has penned a historic three-year partnership with the Liberia Football Association (LFA) launching the Bettomax Champions Cup, a premier pre-season showdown that is set to become a staple on the national football calendar.

By: Christopher C Walker 0777898224/0886723075 christopher.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com

The landmark agreement, signed on August 15, 2025, will see Bettomax Liberia sponsor and co-organize the elite competition through 2028.

The Bettomax Champions Cup will feature the top eight teams from each LFA Men’s First Division season, with the aim of boosting competitiveness and offering players and fans a new high-stakes football spectacle.

A Vision for Growth

“We believe this partnership with the Liberia Football Association will underscore our vision” “This is not just about football it’s about building something lasting for Liberia,” said Fallah Briama, Operational Manager of Bettomax Liberia, during the official signing ceremony.

 He said the Bettomax partnership aims to nourish the continuous growth and development of football which the LFA hopes for.

According to Briama the betting company sponsors aim to support a successful tournament that will leave a good memory in the mind of modern supporters across Liberia as they celebrate the most famous sports in Liberia.

“Football is more than a game here; it’s a force that brings communities together. At Bettomax, we see it as our duty to support that spirit by investing in the game’s future.”

The partnership comes on the heels of Bettomax’s growing presence in the Liberian football ecosystem. The company is already the lead sponsor of Watanga FC in the LFA Men’s First Division and Shaita Angels FC in the Women’s Upper League.

But their commitment goes beyond the pitch. In recent years, Bettomax has launched monthly charitable initiatives, donating US$1,000 alongside its sponsored clubs to critical institutions including John F. Kennedy Medical Center, Catholic Hospital, Redemption Hospital, and various orphanages across the country.

The Bettomax Champions Cup will adopt a group stage format: the eight qualified teams have been divided into two groups, with the top two teams from each advancing to the semifinals. Winners of the semifinals will contest the final, while the third-place match will offer redemption for the losing sides.

The Bettomax Champions Cup offers a total prize pool of over US$30,000, with all eight teams guaranteed a cash reward. The champions will take home US$10,000, while the runners-up receive US$5,000. Teams finishing third and fourth earn US$3,500 and US$3,000 respectively, and those placing fifth to eighth each receive US$2,000.

LFA Welcomes a New Era

Sekou Konneh, First Vice President of the Liberia Football Association, described the partnership as a “game-changer” for the football landscape.

“We’ve long talked about enhancing our football structure, and this partnership is a big leap in the right direction,” Konneh stated. “This tournament not only raises the competitive bar but also brings real financial incentives to our clubs. Bettomax has proven that corporate support, when done right, can truly elevate our game.”

Mr. Konneh described the partnership as a good opportunity created as part of the LFA aims to develop the game and he extended the LFA appreciation to Bettomax for such ideas.

 He called clubs participating in the two weeks tournament to work together with the LFA and its partners to display good football.

FC Fassell Out, Blackman Warrior In

Meanwhile, in a surprise twist, reigning league champions FC Fassell will not feature in the inaugural edition due to their travel plans.

The Liberian champions are currently in Egypt on preseason and informed the FA that they could not compete in the tournament.

Their absence opens the door for Blackman Warrior, who finished 9th last season, to join the eight-team lineup.

The inaugural Bettomax Champions Cup kicks off on Saturday, August 23, 2025, and will climax on Sunday, September 7, 2025 with all matches being hosted at the Tusa Field in Gardnersville while the last matches in group Phase will be played at both the SKD sports complex and Tusa avenue that continues to play a key role in the nation’s football development.

The draw of the competition which was held on Friday paired Heaven Eleven FC, Bea Mountain, Paynesville FC and Blackman Warriors in group A while Group B consists of Watanga, Discoveries FC Borough FC and LPRC Oilers.

A Tournament with a Future

Though the 2025 edition features men’s clubs only, both Bettomax and the LFA confirmed that plans are already underway to expand the Cup in future years to include women’s teams.

Both the LFA and Bettomax believe that Women’s football is on the rise, and will be proud to support such movement

FPA has been informed that Future editions of the tournament will reflect the inclusivity that Liberian football deserves.

With corporate backing, a well-structured format, and rising enthusiasm, the Bettomax Champions Cup is poised to redefine pre-season football in Liberia setting a new gold standard for ambition, entertainment, and opportunity.

“This is more than just a competition,” Konneh added. “It’s a celebration of what Liberian football can become.”

Monrovia – The Liberia Football Association (LFA) and the National High School Sports (NHSS) have signed a two-year partnership agreement in what is being described as a game-changing step for school and youth football development in Liberia.

By: Christopher C Walker 0777898224/0886723075 christopher.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com 

The partnership, which runs from 2025 to 2027, aims to expand football access in schools and establish a reliable age verification system to support player development and ensure integrity in national team selection.

The agreement was formally signed on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the LFA’s Headquarters in Paynesville, outside Monrovia. It outlines joint efforts to decentralize football, strengthen school competitions, and build a sustainable talent pipeline for LFA-sanctioned leagues.

Under the agreement, NHSS will lead the implementation of a national high school football league, while the LFA will provide technical support—including the training of coaches and referees, along with logistical coordination across all 15 counties.

Targeting Age Cheating and Talent Development

Speaking during the signing ceremony, LFA Deputy Secretary General, Mohammed Sheriff, described the partnership as a timely intervention to address one of the most persistent challenges in Liberian football: age cheating.

“This partnership will help feed players into the LFA’s youth system and will drastically reduce age cheating. Many times, players provide one age to the LFA and a different one to their schools,” Sheriff said.

He also emphasized that the partnership aligns with the LFA’s youth development agenda and is being driven by former footballers who understand the realities on the ground.

When asked about how the new deal affects the LFA’s existing relationship with the Inter-School Sports Association (ISSA), Sheriff clarified that the NHSS partnership will not replace ISSA.

“The LFA inherited ISSA. Their focus is on extracurricular activities, while NHSS brings a strong emphasis on age verification and structured school competitions, which caught our attention,” he explained.

A New Era for Youth Football

In a statement delivered at the event, Dionysius Sebwe, Executive Director of NHSS, laid out the broader goals of the partnership, particularly its potential to clean up the youth football system.

“Our combined capacities will prevent age cheating—a sad reality that has plagued our youth national teams and led to international disqualifications,” Sebwe said.

He explained that the agreement will allow NHSS to work with the LFA in tracking players’ ages and performance history, starting at the high school level, effectively creating a data repository to support future player vetting.

“This collaboration will restore credibility to youth national team selection while giving the LFA tools to effectively track the ages of future players,” he added.

Key Objectives of the Partnership

The agreement outlines five core objectives:

Age Tracking: Establish a school-based database to verify players’ ages for future league and national team inclusion.

Grassroots Promotion: Decentralize football development at the school level to reach underserved communities.

Player Vetting: Supply accurate, school-verified data to the LFA during the national team selection process.

Policy Integration: Collaborate with the Ministries of Education and Youth & Sports to align policies on sports and education.

Veteran Involvement: Strengthen ties between the LFA and former Liberian football professionals to support development efforts.

Sebwe used the opportunity to thank LFA President Mustapha Raji and Executive Committee member Ivan Brown for their roles in finalizing the partnership, which he described as “historic and unprecedented.”

A Timely Move Amid Growing Concerns

The deal comes at a time when Liberia’s football community has raised growing concerns about the lack of a credible youth development system and widespread age fraud.

It can be recalled that some of Liberia’s U-17 national teams were disqualified from international competitions due to inconsistencies in players’ age documentation.

Observers believe that if this new framework is fully implemented, it could set a new standard for transparent scouting and player development in the country.

“The process culminating in this agreement was driven by cooperation, good intention, and love of the game,” Sebwe noted.

As the agreement takes effect, all eyes will be on delivery and accountability—two areas where Liberia’s sports governance has often fallen short. Whether this partnership becomes another shelved document or a true turning point for youth football remains to be seen.

Monrovia – The Liberia Football Association (LFA), in partnership with Lonestar Cell MTN, has officially launched the second edition of the MoMo Community League—an under-17 grassroots football tournament featuring 16 community teams across Montserrado County.

By: Christopher C. Walker |  christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com

The community-based youth league, first introduced in May 2024, saw King Gray emerge as inaugural champions. With the success of the first edition, the three-year partnership between LFA and Lonestar Cell MTN will see the tournament held annually, providing a platform for young footballers to showcase their talents and transition to higher levels of competition.

According to the organizers, the 16 participating communities will be divided into four zones, with matches played in a round-robin format. The league will officially kick off on April 19 and run through May 31, with the opening match scheduled for the Banesville Estate Field.

The winning team will receive L$300,000, while the runners-up and third-place teams will take home L$200,000 and L$100,000, respectively.

LFA Deputy Secretary General Mohammed Sheriff said the association is optimistic that the second edition will build on the success of the first, adding that the partnership with Lonestar Cell MTN is vital to developing grassroots football in Liberia.

Lonestar Cell MTN’s Brand and Communications Manager, Abigail Nufeatalai, expressed enthusiasm about continuing the partnership, describing the first year as a success—particularly in helping players advance to more competitive leagues.

“Our goal is to support grassroots football by ensuring players move on to bigger leagues. That’s how we build the next national team that could one day win the World Cup,” Nufeatalai said.

She also noted that MTN is looking to deepen its collaboration with the LFA by investing more into grassroots development, while also bringing benefits to the communities where the matches will be played.

As part of the tournament preparation, each of the 16 participating teams received L$72,000 in cash support, five footballs, two sets of jerseys, and t-shirts from Lonestar Cell MTN.

Groups and Match Venues

Group A:

• King Gray
• Gbengba Town
• VOA/R2 Community
• SKD Sports Complex
  Matches at Gbengba Town and Right to Play Sports Pitch

Group B:

• Barnesville
• Dixville
• Freeport/Battery Factory
• Chicken Soup Factory/Jacob Town
  Matches at Barnesville Estate and Battery Factory Field

Group C:

• West Point
• Clay Street/PHP
• Old Road/Congo Town
• Clar-Doe
  Matches at West Point Field and Susan Barry Field

Group D:

• Brewerville
• New Kru Town
• Logan Town
• St. Paul
  Matches at D. Tweh Field and Alligator Field

Monrovia — The Liberia Football Association Referee Committee has with immediate effect suspended three (3) match officials for a period of 6 Match Days following complaints of their performance after just two rounds of matches in the new season.

Those affected are elite referees Emmanuel Mensah, who was in charge of Discoveries and champions Watanga game at the weekend and Joel Doe, Assistant Referee #1 in the season opener between Watanga and LISCR on Wednesday, 16 October.

Intermediary referee Peterson Leway, who served as Central Referee in Women’s Upper League fixture between Shaita and Real Muja on Sunday was the other official affected. 

Following separate investigations into two complaints filed by Watanga against the two (2) Elite Referees, the Referee Committee concluded that Mr. Doe wrongfully disallowed a Watanga goal on 13 minutes in their 1-0 loss to LISCR last Wednesday. 

Replays showed that a Watanga goal-bound shot clearly crossed the line off the underside of the bar before the LISCR goalkeeper quickly gathered the ball and restarted play.

The Committee also established that Mr. Mensah’s decision to qualify Discoveries 93rd minute winner against Watanga at Tusa Field on Sunday was a wrong call and influenced the result of the game.

Mr. Mensah had called a penalty near the closing stages of the game and in the aftermath, the penalty was saved but Saah Moses was quickest to tap in the rebound from a position that replays showed he encroached inside the box. 

Elsewhere, Intermediary Referee Peterson Leway was also axed following his decision to dismiss one of Real Muja players on account of simulation.

Mr. Leway showed a second yellow card and a dismissal on the stroke of half time, but again replays showed that the Real Muja player was fouled, an incident which forced her from the game.

The Referee Committee has since rescinded the red card and hit the referee with a six-game ban.

Congo Town- The Liberia Football Association, in consultation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has confirmed the appointment of Thomas Kojo as interim head coach of the men’s senior national team, following the resignation of Romanian tactician Mario Marinica.

By Jaheim T. Tumu- jaheim.tumu@frontpageafricaonline.com

Marinica’s resignation comes amid bad run of results, some outfield issues ranging from delay and unpaid salaries to inadequate support towards the national team training, FrontPageAfrica gathered.

Marinica, whose mandate was to ensure that Liberia reach the AFCON finals for Morocco 2025, began his Lone Star campaign on the brilliant note, and result became miserable for the Romanian.

However, Kojo, who replaced James Salinsa Debbah as stand-in-coach in 2018, before being given a permanent role, was announced on Saturday to take temporary charge of the senior national team. 

Kojo, who is currently serving the Director for Sports at the Youth and Sports Ministry, was previously dismissed by the Football House after failing to fulfill his mandate. 

According to the LFA release, Kojo will lead the team in the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers and the remaining matches of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

The release indicated that as the national team head coach, he has been given the leverage to select his own backroom staff ahead of these competitions. 

Kojo, who served as deputy coach to former Lone Star Coach Ansu Keita before Keita’s dismissal, will kickstart his Lone Star journey with a match against Sierra Leone in the first round of the CHAN qualifiers first leg scheduled for 25-27 October and the second leg between 1-3 November. 

He will resume Lone Star AFCON duty late in November when his team host to Togo at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex before an away fixture and Algeria in the final two rounds of the qualifiers for Morocco 2025.

Monrovia -As Liberian football clubs prepare for the new league season; the First Instant Board of the Liberia Football Association has announced that several clubs risk possible ban if they don’t meet up with the regulations set up by the Confederation of African Football CAF.

By: Christopher C Walker christopherc.walker@frontpageafriaconline.com , 0777898224/0886723075

Addressing the media on Monday, September 16, 2024, Cllr. Jacob K. Dayrell Sr. chairman of the First Instant Board (FIB) of the Liberia Football Association, said there are other clubs who have met up with the regulations but some clubs are still behind.

 Cllr. Dayrell told the media that following a proper evaluation and verification process, over nine clubs were identified as having outstanding documentation issues, which means they did not meet the minimum requirements under CAF regulations. 

Cllr. Dayrell named the clubs in violation as Upper women side Real Muja, first division outfits LPRC Oilers, Heaven Eleven, Mighty Barrolle, Invincible Eleven, Bea Mountain, while second division clubs who are have not met up with the regulations are, Margibi FC, Junior Professionals, Cece United, Samira Fc and NPA Anchors.

He said as part of the process, FIB has invited the clubs in violation   to a meeting where they will be required to explain their failure to meet up with the prescribed minimum requirement. 

Cllr. Dayrell explains that the exercise is an essential step in understanding the gravity of the offences in order to determine the applicable sanctions. 

However, the eleven Clubs both First and Second divisions respectively have been given a 6-month clemency period to prepare their documents for submission.

He also said the First Instant Board (FIB) has granted licenses to 25 clubs that have met the necessary requirements to compete in the 2024/25 league season.

He added the 25 clubs that passed the threshold to participate in the league have ‘’demonstrated commitment and standards’’.

‘’During our second sittings, the FIB granted licenses to 25 clubs that have met the minimum requirements set by CAF and LFA.

‘’These clubs have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the standards required to participate in the league and the FIB congratulates them,’’ Cllr Dayrell said.

The FIB Chairman also told reporters that the newly promoted clubs [Women’s Upper League] or would-be-promoted clubs [to the 2nd Division] will be granted a six-month clemency period in accordance with CAF regulation to prepare their documentation for submission.

Monrovia — A Liberian football stakeholder, Emmett ‘Stages’ Glassco, has called on the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) to conduct an audit of Mustapha Raji’s stewardship as president of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), claiming alleged irregularities of funds given to the LFA by FIFA since 2018.

Glassco claimed why various leagues under the LFA are struggling financially when the LFA under Raji has reportedly received over $13 million from FIFA.

Controversy has since blurred the total cost spent on the construction of the LFA headquarters in 2023, with contrary figures being announced by Raji.

During a July 2, 2024 press conference, Raji insisted that $1.89 million was spent on the construction of the LFA headquarters despite having initially announced during the commissioning program in April 2023 of using $1.5 million dollars as cost for the construction of the LFA headquarters.

Glassco believes the discrepancy from Raji and auditors, where Raji disagreed with what the auditor presented in the Audited Financial Statement is some of the reasons a reputable and International Audit firm should be appointed by FIFA to urgently check the account books of the Federation to ensure that funds are judiciously expended.

The Auditor provided a Qualified Opinion to the Financial Statement, noting many financial issues within the Liberia Football Association.  

Glassco also wants the audit report to be made public so as to promote transparency, build credibility and enhance the country’s football market value.

“This is a very serious issue that must be given urgent attention to avoid another international embarrassment like the disqualification of the U-17 national team,” he said.

In a management letter signed by the football house after a local comprehensive audit, the auditors raised the issue of money collected as gate intake not  accounted for, for many over the years, though the LFA claimed what  they owed could not verify the debts, the recording of financial transactions were not done professionally.

The letter revealed that there is a possibility of corruption by the Football Association after they alleged of paying workers on the pitch after each match day without receipt or record showing reflection on money spent.

Glassco explained that such practice by people claiming to be free of corruption is  not right  and something must be done.

However, when contacted, Anthony Kokoi of the LFA media department disagreed with Glassco about the issue of corruption in the football association.

According to him, if the football stakeholder wants to know more about money coming to the FA, he should visit their financial department before speaking on an issue he doesn’t know about.

“How can you say FIFA should conduct an audit on us when there is no audit report that has shown a single corruption at the LFA” he said.

Monrovia-The decentralization of the Liberia Football Association Third Division League and its national play-off in the 15 political subdivisions of the country has been described by a former footballer, Moses Jackson, as a boost to the development of grassroots football.

By Macaulay Sombai/Sombai.macaulaysombai@frontpageafricaonline.com-0777217428

Jackson, who once played for dissolved LFA second division side Exodus FC, believes such decentralization of football in the country could help increase the number of passionate players and it could also help improve their footballing skills in their respective counties.

Currently, the LFA 3rd division national play-offs are being played on a regional basis, with the two winners of each region qualifying to face teams from different regions, while the last three teams will gain promotion to the second division.

Jackson added that each of the 15 counties that the LFA regional play-off is taking place, will give an opportunity for players to see teams from other counties and they will learn from the talents that players from both teams will display.

He continued that Monrovia or Montserrado County should not always be the home of football development because the game is all about youth development, noting that can only happen if the game is decentralized.

“I’m convinced that if LFA continues decentralization of its third division regional play-offs would help to develop the minds and skills of players with passion for football who want to move forward in their career.”

It will also help sports officials of the 15 political subdivisions to know the kind of players to select for their respective National County Sports Meet competitions. “I am calling on the LFA president Mr. Mustapha Raji, the executive committee members of the FA, to continue the LFA regional third division play-offs in the 15 counties of Liberia because it will bring about development to grassroots football.” Jackson said.