Africa-Press – Liberia. The Liberia Football Association (LFA) on Saturday, April 12, 2025, convened its 29th Ordinary Congress, where stakeholders approved a US$5.7 million budget for the 2025–2026 fiscal year and granted full membership rights to seven new organizations.
The budget passed with 28 delegates voting in favor and 12 against. LFA President Mustapha Raji noted that the financial plan includes support from the Government of Liberia and is geared toward funding national team activities, football development programs, and administrative operations over the next year.
Raji thanked all members for their participation in the process, stressing that both the support and opposition reflected a healthy democratic engagement. He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to long-term football development and sustainability.
A major announcement at the congress was the establishment of the Henry Nyumah Brown Football Academy, named in honor of the late former Technical Director. The academy, which will be owned and operated by the LFA, is intended to help identify and train talented young players from across the country, while also generating income to benefit football clubs.
As part of the LFA’s Talent Development Scheme (TDS), Raji revealed that over 3,000 players have already been scouted across six counties. Twenty-two of those identified talents will begin intensive training and academic studies at the George Weah Technical Center in June. Additional scouting missions are planned for other counties.
The congress also highlighted the LFA’s commitment to strengthening the grassroots football structure. New youth leagues for players under 15, 10, and 8 years old have been introduced to foster early development for both boys and girls, creating a direct pipeline to future national teams.
Raji emphasized that grassroots football is now active in nine counties, and the association is seeing significant participation. He also highlighted the strides made in women’s football, which now includes more than 2,000 players across Montserrado, Margibi, Lofa, Grand Bassa, River Gee, Grand Kru, and Nimba—up from just eight teams in a single county a few years ago.
“We are seeing real progress, and we’re committed to delivering the growth and development we promised,” Raji told delegates. “Yes, there may be missteps, but we welcome collaboration and constructive feedback. What we need now is unity and support, not silence or criticism from the sidelines.”
During the congress, seven new entities were officially admitted as full members of the LFA, gaining voting rights and the ability to participate in all major decisions going forward. These new members include Bushrod Queens, Gompa FC, Kneeling Warriors, Downtown FC, World Girls FC, District 17 Academy, and the Liberia Sports Medics Association (LISMAC).
In recognition of past contributions to the development of football in Liberia, the LFA presented special awards to several individuals and institutions. Honorees included former LFA President Cllr. Izetta Wesley, the Government of Liberia represented by Deputy Youth and Sports Minister G. Andy Quamie, and several corporate sponsors.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
