By S. Siapha Mulbah
Stakeholders in Liberian football are intensifying calls for the Liberia Football Association (LFA) to ensure the availability of ambulances at match venues across the country following a series of major injuries in both men’s and women’s games this season. The growing concern about players’ safety has sparked alarm, with many fearing for the lives of players in the absence of timely medical intervention.
For weeks, discussions have been underway within the football community regarding the need for ambulances at all league match venues. Advocates for this initiative argue that having ambulances present during matches is crucial to ensuring that players who suffer injuries are attended to promptly and transferred to nearby medical facilities when necessary. This would not only protect the players but also show the football governing body’s commitment to their welfare.
One of the most recent and significant incidents that has brought this issue to the forefront occurred during an FA Cup match at Tusa Field in Gardnersville between Determine Girls and Shaita Angels. The Angels who play in the Upper Women’s League, raised alarm after two of their players, Francisca Howe and Esther Massalay, collapsed on the field with no medical vehicles. Following the incident, the club president, Benita Urey, publicly voiced their demand for ambulances to be present at all matches. She made it clear that the club would no longer participate in any games organized by the LFA unless an ambulance or emergency vehicle was present at the venue.
Urey emphasized that the absence of an ambulance exposes players to unnecessary risks and delays medical assistance, which could have severe consequences. “Delay is dangerous in any given situation,” highlighting the urgency of providing an ambulance at each match venue. She further stated that the LFA must adhere to the rules stipulated for the ongoing season to ensure the safety and well-being of the players.
The call for ambulances at football venues has gained further traction following the tragic death of Blackman Warrior’s player Amara Kamara in January 2025. Kamara reportedly suffered a spinal injury during a league match at the D. Tweh Sports Pitch in New Kru Town on January 8, 2025. He later died after struggling to receive adequate medical attention. His death has led to increased pressure on the LFA to ensure that emergency vehicles are present at matches to prevent future fatalities.
In response to the incident, LFA President Mustapha Raji addressed the concerns by stating that the association was not entirely at fault. He pointed out that Kamara’s injury occurred near Redemption Hospital, making it a relatively short distance to seek medical attention.
However, Raji acknowledged the broader issue of limited resources for both the LFA and the health sector. He attributed the lack of ambulances at match venues to Liberia’s ongoing national financial crisis, which has also affected the country’s healthcare system. Hospitals across the nation are reportedly facing challenges in providing ambulances to transport patients due to inadequate funding.
Despite this, Raji assured that the LFA had not failed to consider purchasing ambulances, but the cost was simply prohibitive given the financial constraints. He also noted that providing ambulances at over 50 match venues across the country would require substantial financial backing, which is currently beyond the association’s means.
As the call for ambulances continues to grow louder, it is clear that a collective effort is needed from both the LFA and the clubs involved in the league to address this urgent issue. The safety of players should be a top priority, and the timely presence of ambulances could make all the difference in preventing future injuries and saving lives.
The growing number of injuries and the tragic demise of Amara Kamara have highlighted the need for a fully functional emergency vehicle program across the country’s football venues. It is now up to the LFA, clubs, and relevant stakeholders to work together and find a solution that ensures the safety of players while safeguarding the future of football in Liberia.
The continued success and growth of football in Liberia depend not only on talent and support but also on the well-being of the athletes who give their all on the field. Providing proper medical care during matches is an essential step toward ensuring that the sport remains safe and sustainable for years to come.