Published: August 13, 2025
PAYNESVILLE — The Liberia Football Association (LFA) will raise cash prizes for league champions and expand its men’s First Division to 16 teams starting in the 2026–27 season, as part of sweeping changes aimed at boosting competitiveness and supporting club development.
LFA President Mustapha Raji, speaking Tuesday at the association’s headquarters in Paynesville, said the men’s First Division champions will now receive $30,000, a $10,000 increase from last season, while Upper Women’s Division winners will get $25,000, up from $20,000. Both divisions had received equal $20,000 prizes since the 2021–22 season.
“This investment forms part of the LFA’s broader football development strategy aimed at raising the competitiveness and prestige of its leagues,” Raji said, emphasizing that the adjustments are meant to strengthen both men’s and women’s competitions.
Women’s football will see an additional boost, with annual subventions to Upper Women’s Division clubs rising from $6,000 to $7,500 per season. The $1,500 increase is funded through the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Impact Fund, a program designed to support the growth of women’s football across the continent.
On the men’s side, structural changes are coming to the First Division. From the 2026–27 season, the league will expand from 14 to 16 clubs. Under the new promotion-relegation format, four teams from the Second Division will move up automatically, while the bottom three First Division clubs will enter a playoff. One will retain its place, and the other two will be relegated.
The LFA has long faced calls from clubs and stakeholders to increase financial incentives and broaden league participation. Supporters believe that bigger prize money, improved funding, and more competitive slots will motivate clubs to invest in talent, infrastructure, and youth development programs.
While the expanded format could intensify the race for promotion and survival, some analysts caution that the changes will test clubs’ financial stability, especially in covering travel and operational costs. Still, the LFA is betting on the move to raise the profile of Liberian football both domestically and in continental competitions.
The 2025–26 season will be the last under the current structure, with the expanded 16-club league kicking off the following year.
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