Monrovia – Liberia Football Association (LFA) President Mustapha Raji has stirred debate within the local football community by proposing that clubs use their subvention funds to purchase ambulances for league matches. This call comes amid mounting concerns over player safety and the lack of immediate medical attention during games.
The proposal, aimed at addressing a glaring gap in match-day medical preparedness, aligns with FIFA guidelines that require ambulances at all member-organized matches to ensure rapid medical response in emergencies.
During a recent discussion with the interim leadership of the Club Presidents Association of Liberia (CPAL), Raji highlighted the financial strain on the LFA in providing ambulances. He revealed that the association spends approximately $80,000 annually to arrange ambulances for league games, a cost he described as unsustainable.
“I have been attempting to arrange ambulances for match days, but it has proven too costly for the LFA,” Raji said, emphasizing the need for clubs to take on more responsibility. He further called for qualified medical personnel to be included on team staff to handle emergencies effectively in the absence of ambulances.
However, Raji’s suggestion to reallocate subvention funds has sparked mixed reactions among club officials. Some see it as a necessary compromise, while others view it as shifting the LFA’s core responsibilities onto the clubs.
Senior Pro President Emmett Stages Glassco was among the critics, insisting that providing ambulances should remain the LFA’s responsibility.
“The LFA must not use clubs’ subventions to pay for ambulances. Most of the stadiums we use are under the LFA, and they must be responsible for any and all equipment and facilities at those stadiums,” Glassco argued.
Glassco also addressed Raji’s comments on sponsorships, asserting that CPAL has the right to negotiate sponsorship deals independently. “The FA should not dictate sponsorship matters. CPAL can seek partnerships with any legal entity to benefit the league,” he said.
As the dialogue between CPAL and the LFA continues, stakeholders are urging both parties to collaborate on sustainable solutions to improve player safety and operational efficiency in Liberian football.
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