By: Albert Fania
The Liberia Football Association (LFA) has commenced an intensive five-day MA Elite Referees course.
The intensive capacity development initiative is currently taking place at the headquarters of the LFA in Paynesville.
The training program, under the auspices of FIFA’s MA Elite initiative, has drawn referees from across the nation, all eager to hone their skills and knowledge to elite levels.
Among other things, The 2025 FIFA MA-ELITE Referees Course aims to equip Liberian match officials with the latest techniques, regulations, and best practices in refereeing.
The initiative also underscores the LFA’s commitment to enhancing the quality of officiating in Liberian football at all levels.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, LFA President Mustapha I. Raji acknowledged the demanding nature of refereeing but emphasized the profound impact their decisions have on the beautiful game.
He highlighted the crucial role referees play in ensuring fair play and maintaining the integrity of football matches.
In a strong message to the participating referees, President Raji cautioned them to unequivocally reject any form of bribery or inducement.
He firmly stated that the LFA would take decisive action against any referee found to be involved in such unethical practices, reinforcing the association’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
The MA Elite course will cover a range of critical topics, including the interpretation and application of the Laws of the Game, match control and management, offside rule intricacies, penalty area incidents, and the importance of fitness and positioning.
Experienced FIFA and CAF (Confederation of African Football) instructors are leading the sessions, providing invaluable insights and practical guidance to the participants.
By elevating the standards of refereeing, the LFA aims to foster greater confidence in the fairness and transparency of its competitions, ultimately contributing to the overall growth and professionalism of the sport in Liberia.
Meanwhile, the five-day course is anticipated to conclude with an assessment of the referees’ understanding and application of the principles taught.
