Monrovia – Emmett Stages Glassco, senior female professional president, has defended the Liberian government’s proposed reduction in the national football budget for 2025. The Draft National Budget suggests a significant cut, reducing the allocation from US$150,000 in 2024 to US$50,000.
At a press conference on Wednesday, November 20, Glassco attributed the cut to the Liberia Football Association’s (LFA) alleged failure to provide financial reports on previously allocated funds. He stated, “To secure additional government funding, it is mandatory to first submit a comprehensive report detailing the expenditure of the previously provided funds. The government will not continue to allocate money to any entity that cannot adequately report on previous years’ expenditures.”
Glassco further accused the LFA, led by Mustapha Raji, of failing to present a development plan for football, a shortcoming he said prompted the government to reduce funding.
The proposed budget cuts affect other sports federations as well. The Inter-Schools Sports Association (ISSA) is allocated just US$5,000, while grassroots football development receives only US$1,230. Despite these financial challenges, Glassco expressed hope that with improved accountability, the football sector could still thrive.
Glassco called on the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to audit funds spent on national teams under Raji’s leadership, alleging financial irregularities dating back to 2018. He noted that despite Raji’s claims of insufficient government support, Liberia has consistently participated in World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Earlier this year, auditors issued a Qualified Opinion on the Liberia Football Association’s financial statements, raising concerns about possible mismanagement or corruption. Glassco urged the audit report to be made public to promote transparency and restore credibility before any increase in government support for football development.
Discussion about this post