Monrovia — Liberia Football Association President Mustapha I. Raji has welcomed FIFA’s newly announced Surplus Solidarity Programme, describing it as a transformative financial commitment that could significantly bolster member associations, particularly those operating with limited resources.
By: Christopher C Walker, christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com
Under the initiative, each FIFA member association is projected to receive $25 million for the 2027–2030 cycle. The scheme forms part of FIFA’s broader global development investment, which totals approximately $6.4 billion.
Speaking on the initiative, Raji expressed gratitude to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the FIFA Council, stating that the backing comes at a critical juncture for football federations striving to build sustainable development structures.
“On behalf of the Liberia Football Association, I thank FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the FIFA Council for the FIFA Surplus Solidarity Programme,” Raji said. “This is a historic increase, and it arrives at the right time for federations like ours that have invested in pathways, not just promises.”
Advocating for Grassroots Realities
While praising the funding boost, the LFA president stressed the need for implementation guidelines that reflect the financial and structural realities of smaller football federations.
Raji noted that the true impact of the $25 million allocation will depend on how effectively the funds reach foundational levels of the sport.
“We look forward to working with FIFA to ensure that the criteria, to be finalized in December, reflect the realities of smaller associations, so this funding reaches the grassroots where it matters most,” Raji added.
The increased funding presents an opportunity to upgrade youth competitions, refine talent identification pipelines, and strengthen local club frameworks for both male and female players in Liberia.
Pathways over Promises
Raji also commended FIFA’s ongoing support across all levels of Liberian football, specifically pointing to opportunities created for youth international competition.
He highlighted Liberia’s upcoming participation in the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan, where the nation will be represented by the Henry Nyema Brown Talent Development Scheme (TDS) Academy.
As attention shifts to December when FIFA is expected to finalize the funding criteria the LFA leadership says its focus will remain on converting the incoming funds into tangible infrastructure and long-term grassroots growth.