By S. Siapha Mulbah
The Liberia Football Association (LFA) has approved its 2025 fiscal budget, which includes the establishment of a new national football academy aimed at advancing youth development across the country.
At the 29th Ordinary Congress held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, 28 out of 40 voting members supported the passage of the U.S. $5.7 million budget. Despite opposition from 12 clubs, who deemed the financial proposal unrealistic for sustainable football development, the budget was passed with a decisive majority.
A centerpiece of this year’s budget is the creation of the Henry Nyumah Browne Football Academy, named in honor of the LFA’s late technical director.
The academy is designed to serve as a grassroots football hub for young Liberians, operating independently of existing clubs.
According to LFA President Mustapha Raji, the academy will be fully owned and operated by the Football Association and will also serve as a potential revenue stream to benefit clubs and football programs nationwide.
Presenting his annual report to Congress, Raji highlighted key achievements under his administration, including the launch of a Women’s Football Strategic Plan, a national team kit sponsorship deal, and ongoing capacity-building programs for coaches and match officials.
He credited these developments to what he called “innovative leadership,” noting an increase in youth participation in football across the country.
However, the administration also faced significant setbacks. Raji admitted to the loss of U.S. $200,000 in funding under the FIFA Forward Program due to unmet criteria.
Additionally, the 2024 league season was conducted without a primary sponsor, leading to reduced financial support for member associations and clubs.
This shortfall has drawn criticism from opposition stakeholders, particularly regarding the failure to procure ambulances for league matches.
Despite tensions, the Congress was conducted peacefully, with heightened security ensuring that planned protests did not disrupt proceedings.
Stakeholders described the event as democratic and reflective of a united interest in the future of Liberian football.
The passage of the 2025 budget marks a new chapter for the LFA as it seeks to institutionalize talent development through a nationally operated football academy while striving to address financial and logistical gaps in the sport’s administration.
LFA Congress Approves 2025 Budget, Paving Way For National Football Academy
