Africa-Press – Liberia. The Liberia Football Association (LFA) on Wednesday concluded a rigorous two-day CAF Safeguarding Workshop, signaling a new era of accountability for grassroots clubs and football administrators across the country.
The workshop, which began on Tuesday at the LFA headquarters in Congo Town, brought together more than 50 participants, including club representatives and Member Association staff.
Conducted under the auspices of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the initiative is part of a continent-wide push to eliminate abuse, exploitation, and misconduct within the sport.
From Theory to Implementation
As the sessions wrapped up on Wednesday, the focus shifted from classroom learning to field-level implementation.
Participants are now expected to serve as designated “Safeguarding Officers” within their respective clubs, ensuring that the protection of children and vulnerable players is prioritized during all training sessions and matches.
LFA President Mustapha I. Raji, who officially closed the workshop, emphasized that the initiative is a core pillar of CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe’s vision to professionalize African football at every level.
“This workshop has provided the tools; the responsibility now lies with you to transform our football environment,” Raji told the participants.
“We are building an institution where every child feels safe to pursue their dreams. This is no longer just about playing football; it is about the professional and moral responsibility we owe to the next generation.”
Expert-Led Frameworks
Throughout the two-day engagement, participants were guided by a high-level delegation of international experts, including Omar Amr Abou-Zeid, CAF Safeguarding Manager, Norman Brook, Safeguarding Consultant, and Abdoulaye Cisse, WAFU A Competition Manager
The curriculum delved into identifying risks within academies, grassroots programs, and women’s football.
Facilitators provided practical templates for “Codes of Conduct” that clubs are now mandated to adopt.
The frameworks are designed to protect players and officials from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
A New Licensing Prerequisite
The LFA views the conclusion of this workshop as a strategic victory in its quest to align Liberian football with global best practices.
With the sport expanding rapidly into Liberia’s 15 counties, authorities noted that safeguarding must be decentralized alongside the game itself.
In a significant move for club owners, the workshop ended with a series of recommendations that will be integrated into the LFA’s licensing requirements for grassroots clubs.
Moving forward, having a certified safeguarding policy will become a prerequisite for participation in LFA-sanctioned activities.
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