Lone Star Int'l Friendly Trip to the U.S. Cancelled Due to Visas Setback
Liberia's Youth and Sports Ministry has confirmed the cancellation of a planned international friendly encounter between the Lone Star of Liberia and Minnesota United II in the United States, following visa denial by the U.S. Embassy to nearly the entire national team's delegation. The match was scheduled for July 26, 2026, to mark Liberia’s 179th Independence anniversary in the United States. Credible reports say only 6 delegation members were approved visas out of 25 submitted by the Liberia Football Association (LFA) to the United States Embassy in Monrovia. It remains unclear why a huge number of the delegation was denied visas. The Liberia Men's Senior National Team delegation for the friendly included Head Coach, players and technical staff among others.
W. Roland James
Monrovia, Liberia: Liberia's Youth and Sports Ministry has confirmed the cancellation of a planned international friendly encounter between the Lone Star of Liberia and Minnesota United II in the United States, following visa denial by the U.S. Embassy to nearly the entire national team's delegation.
The match was scheduled for July 26, 2026, to mark Liberia’s 179th Independence anniversary in the United States. Credible reports say only 6 delegation members were approved visas out of 25 submitted by the Liberia Football Association (LFA) to the United States Embassy in Monrovia.
It remains unclear why a huge number of the delegation was denied visas. The Liberia Men's Senior National Team delegation for the friendly included Head Coach, players and technical staff among others.
Following the recent development, the Liberian Youth and Sports Ministry announced that it invoked the Force Majeure provisions of its Match Appearance Agreement which it arranged with the Strengthening African Resilience Towards Excellence (SARX).
In a release on Wednesday, July 15, the Ministry stated that its decision was promoted by the visa setback which made it impossible to field a team and fulfill the contractual obligations for the match within the agreed timeframe.
The Ministry noted that with less than two weeks remaining before the scheduled fixture, there was no reasonable opportunity to secure alternative visa arrangements, assemble a representative national team, and complete all necessary travel requirements.
"Consequently, the Ministry invoked Article XII of the Match Appearance Agreement, the Force Majeure clause, which relieves parties of liability where an unforeseen event or governmental action beyond their reasonable control wholly or partially prevents or delays the performance of contractual obligations".
"The Ministry emphasized that the provision specifically recognizes governmental actions and orders as Force Majeure events and further provides that neither party shall be liable for damages or expenses where a match is cancelled or delayed because of such circumstances", the Youth the Sports Ministry noted.
Meanwhile, the Ministry expressed optimism that once the prevailing impediments are resolved, both institutions can revisit discussions on organizing a future international fixture under more favorable circumstances.
