Monrovia, Liberia: The President of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), Mustapha Raji, has sparked a heated debate within the football community by suggesting that clubs forgo their subvention funds to purchase ambulances for league games. This proposal comes amid growing concerns over player safety and the lack of immediate medical attention during matches.
According to FIFA guidelines, ambulances must be present at all matches organized by its members to ensure a prompt medical response in emergencies. During a recent discussion with the interim leadership of the Club Presidents Association of Liberia (CPAL), Raji highlighted the financial challenges faced by the LFA in providing ambulances. He revealed that the cost of arranging ambulances for match days amounts to approximately $80,000 annually, a significant burden for the LFA.
“I have been attempting to arrange ambulances for match days, but it has proven too costly for the LFA,” Raji explained, emphasizing the importance of having qualified medical personnel on teams to handle emergencies, especially when ambulances are not available.
He reiterated that securing sponsorships for the league is not the FA’s responsibility. “The complaints about the lack of sponsorships should cease, as league sponsorships are not mandatory, and it is not the FA’s responsibility to bring sponsors,” he concluded.
However, his suggestion to reallocate subvention funds has met with mixed reactions from club officials.
Senior Pro President Emmett Stages Glassco who responded to Raji asserted that the responsibility for providing ambulances should lie with the LFA, not the clubs. He also addressed the issue of sponsorships, noting that the Club Presidents Association of Liberia (CPAL), representing the interests of clubs, can negotiate sponsorship deals with any legal entity without needing the LFA’s approval. Glassco questioned the necessity of obtaining the LFA’s blessing for such endeavors.
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