Lonestar Gets Financial Boosts in 2026 Fiscal Year Draft Budget

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: The need to prioritize budgetary support for football development in Liberia appears to be gaining attention, with a proposed increment in the budget of the Liberian National Football squad (Lonestar) to over US$1 million in the 2026 draft national budget.

Sports pundits believe the proposed amount depicts the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the government’s growing concern about football development—a figure that greatly exceeds the current US$550,000 approved in the 2025 national budget.

Although Liberia Football Association (LFA) President Mustapha Raji has consistently called for a minimum annual allocation of US$5 million to effectively manage the affairs of the national teams, the proposed US$1 million signals a notable shift for the allocation of football in recent years.

Football enthusiasts are optimistic that the allocation would increase following the legislative review process. However, some remain skeptical that the Legislative debates could also result in cuts to the proposed amount.

The 2026 draft national budget, estimated at US$1.2 billion, represents a major boost from US$880 million in 2025, a drive which has made a trickle-down impact on the national football budget.

Meanwhile, Lone Star continues to face mounting challenges stemming from financial constraints that have hampered performances on the international stage.

LFA President Raji has often disclosed that the national teams, especially the Men’s Senior National Team, owe substantial debts to various airlines and hotels. These he said continue to embarrass camping activities and timely arrival of the national teams to honor international matches.

According to Raji, the payment of players’ appearance fees and honoring international friendlies to improve the national teams' both male and female performance remain difficult due to inadequate funding.

Sports analysts have welcomed the proposed increment in the 2026 draft national budget, describing it as a positive step toward addressing the national teams’ most pressing financial issues and regenerating national football teams proud.

However, many recommend that while the proposed US$1 million still falls short of the LFA’s US$5 million annual development target, the government should muster the courage to scale up its support in line with the association’s long-term football development plan.