Africa-Press – Liberia. By aligning with CAF’s licensing standards, the LFA aims to ensure Liberian clubs are not only eligible for continental play but also operate with modern governance and accountability.
The Liberia Football Association (LFA) has provisionally certified FC Fassell, Blackman Warrior, and Determine Girls FC to represent Liberia in the 2025/26 CAF Inter-Club Competitions.
The certification was announced Thursday, following a decision by the LFA’s First Instant Board (FIB), chaired by Cllr. Jacob K. Dayrell, Sr. The process awaits final approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which will confirm club participation ahead of this year’s competition draws.
According to the LFA, the three clubs have successfully completed CAF’s club licensing process through the Club Licensing Online Platform (CLOP), meeting criteria in five key areas: sporting, infrastructure, legal, financial, and administrative.
“The clubs have demonstrated full compliance with CAF’s licensing framework,” said Cllr. Dayrell. “They underwent a thorough review covering financial health, administrative capacity, infrastructure, and sporting operations. We are confident in submitting this recommendation to CAF.”
Certified Clubs and Their Campaigns
FC Fassell – CAF Champions League
FC Fassell qualified for the CAF Champions League after winning the 2024/25 LFA First Division title. This will be their first appearance in the competition. Their only previous continental appearance was in the 2014 CAF Confederation Cup, where they were eliminated by Guinea’s Horoya AC.
The club, reportedly boosted by investment from owner Anthony Cassell Kouh, has been actively preparing for the tournament with pre-season training camps and potential new signings, including reported interest in veteran striker Francis “Grandpa” Doe.
Blackman Warrior – CAF Confederation Cup
Blackman Warrior, winners of the 2025 LFA Orange Cup, will make their debut in CAF competitions by entering the CAF Confederation Cup. They secured the domestic title with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over LISCR FC. Their qualification signals a significant step forward in the club’s rapid rise within Liberian football.
Determine Girls FC – CAF Women’s Champions League Qualifiers
Determine Girls FC, champions of the LFA Women’s Upper League for the third consecutive year, will again represent Liberia in the CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers. They will compete in the WAFU Zone A preliminary tournament, as required by CAF regulations.
The club has been a dominant force in women’s football in Liberia and reached the final of the WAFU Zone A qualifiers in 2022.
Broader Impact on Liberian Football
The LFA’s certification of the three clubs highlights a broader shift towards professionalization in Liberian football. By aligning with CAF’s licensing standards, the LFA aims to ensure Liberian clubs are not only eligible for continental play but also operate with modern governance and accountability.
This includes expectations of improved financial management, structured administration, and sustainable club development.
With the LFA’s greenlight secured, the clubs must now await CAF’s final approval while ramping up preparations. This includes refining squad rosters, improving training facilities, and ensuring compliance with logistical and technical demands for continental play.
CAF is expected to announce the final draw for the Champions League and Confederation Cup later this year.
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