By: Julius Konton
The Liberia Football Referee Association (LIFRA) has commended the leadership of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), under President Mustapha I. Raji, following the approval of an increase in referees’ indemnity, a move widely viewed as a major boost to the welfare and professionalism of match officials across the country.
The decision was reached during the final Executive Committee meeting of the LFA for the 2025 football year, held on Thursday, December 18, where a series of resolutions aimed at strengthening football development at all levels were adopted.
A Strategic Investment in Match Officials
In an official statement, LIFRA described the indemnity increment as a “visionary and timely intervention” that reflects the LFA’s growing commitment to the welfare, motivation, and professional growth of referees often regarded as one of the most under-supported groups in African football administration.
Liberia currently has over 300 registered referees, officiating across national leagues, county tournaments, women’s competitions, youth leagues, and grassroots football.
Many officials travel long distances and officiate multiple matches each month, often under challenging conditions.
According to regional football development data, referee welfare including match allowances and insurance remains a critical factor in reducing officiating errors, match manipulation risks, and referee attrition across West Africa.
Enhancing Integrity and Match Standards
According to the President of LIFRA, Lamin Kamara, the improved indemnity is expected to:
Boost morale and motivation among referees nationwide
Improve accountability and performance standards
Encourage retention of experienced officials
Strengthen the integrity of domestic competitions
Football governance experts estimate that leagues with improved referee welfare record up to 25–30% fewer disciplinary controversies, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in officiating.
Praise for LFA Leadership
The association singled out President Mustapha I. Raji for his inclusive leadership style, openness to dialogue, and continued reforms within Liberia’s football ecosystem.
“By prioritizing the wellbeing of referees, the LFA leadership has demonstrated responsive governance and a genuine understanding of the sacrifices shouldered by match officials,” Lamin Kamara, LIFRA’s President Lamin Kamar reemphasized.
LIFRA through its President Lamin Kamara also extended appreciation to members of the LFA Executive Committee for their collective endorsement of what he termed a “progressive and morale-restoring decision.”
Commitment to Fair Play
In return, The President of LIFRA Lamin Kamara reaffirmed their commitment to fairness, integrity, and excellence, pledging to uphold the laws of the game and support the LFA’s broader vision of sustainable football development.
As Liberia continues efforts to professionalize its domestic leagues and align with CAF and FIFA best practices, the latest decision is being hailed as a significant step toward modern football administration, one that places people, performance, and integrity at the heart of the game.
Editor’s Note:
This article examines a key governance development within Liberian football, focusing on the Liberia Football Association’s decision to increase indemnity for match officials.
The move highlights a growing recognition of referee welfare as a cornerstone of professionalism, integrity, and fair play in domestic competitions.
By situating the decision within broader regional and international best practices, the report underscores how improved conditions for referees can positively influence match standards, reduce controversies, and strengthen public confidence in the game.
The story reflects ongoing reforms aimed at aligning Liberia’s football administration with CAF and FIFA principles, while giving voice to stakeholders whose roles are critical but often overlooked.
