We Need More Support for Football Development" - Raji Speaks Out Amidst Proposed Reduction in National Football Budget

Paynesville, Liberia: Liberia Football Association (LFA) President Mustapha Raji has emphasized the need for the national government to take into consideration driving much support that will enhance football development in Liberia.

Raji's assertion comes days after the Fiscal Year 2025 National Draft Budget was submitted by the Executive to the National Legislature, which saw a sharp reduction in the national football budget from US$150,000 in 2024 to a proposed US$50,000 in 2025.

Appearing on the Kool Talking Sports (Kool FM) on Saturday, November 23rd, the LFA President noted that though the association's minimum projection of US$5 million for a year cost has not been met, it needs a considerable allotment to address key issues challenges facing football development across the country.

He explained that the association is faced with indebtedness to hotels and airlines for lodging and transportation of national team players for international matches as well as their game appearance fees and bounces. Raji furthered that a proposed reduction in the national football budget could increase the financial stress on the LFA.

"We need to continuously engage the government that we need more. Where we sit we need more for development. We need a minimum of 5 million (USD) for a year's cost. Our clubs who made it beautiful when we play county meet, do they get support? No! Yes, we need money, yes we need more to continue to drive football development."

"As you may know, we still owed around here. We owe airlines and hotels when our players lodge and travel for international matches. So, I think we need to be given more support and an opportunity to keep expanding football in the country", he added.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which is responsible for overseeing sports and youth development in Liberia, has a total budget of US$6 million in the 2025 draft national budget, showing a slight reduction in allotment for the ministry.

Reports say the Ministry of Youth and Sports submitted a budget of US$12 million, but only six million was placed in the draft budget. Out of that, two million is directly for the at-risk Youth program, leaving the ministry with four million for over 25 sporting federations in the country, including the Liberia Football Association.

However, LFA President Raji openly pleaded with lawmakers as they debate on the draft national budget to see the need for adjustments on the proposed cutdown in the national football budget.

He acknowledged that the government of Liberia cannot do it all and as such, the association is partnering with other football member association countries and also performing for funding for the FIFA Forward program to fill in some gaps.

"The budget is before the lawmakers and they are going to debate on it, hope they can make some adjustments. But, the Government cannot do it all, this is why we are pushing and also encouraging our stakeholders to rally for international programs that will bring support to the association".

The proposed reduction in the national football budget coupled with the poor performance of the men's senior National Team, the Lone Star, are all happening when citizens are already losing taste for witnessing the national team games, something that is boiled down to lack sufficient financial support.