PHOTO: Mustapha Raji, LFA President posed for picture with Liberian football Referees
By Amara Konneh
MONROVIA (LINA)- The Head of Liberia Football Association (LFA), Mustapha I Raji has cautioned the Thirty (30) Elite Referees to exhibit good conduct by keeping the game clean and avoid acts that would underpinned the association negatively in football.
The referee of every match plays a cardinal role and takes responsibility thereof, and as such, he or she should go to the game with integrity, fairness and avoid any act that shows a sign of bribery, acceptance of gifts and other incentives in return of a decision before and after a soccer match.
The training is intended to build the capacity of Thirty (30) Elite Referees including Seven (7) FIFA Badge and Twenty-three (23) others embarked on a 5-day FIFA Elite Referees Course held at the Headquarters of LFA in Paynesville, Suakamore Community.
Football Referees at Elite level are required to meet high-performance standards, physically, behaviourally, and mentally prepare.
Mustapha Raji
The LFA President was speaking at the start of the training for referees as he urges the participants to ensure that what would be taught during the exercise will surely be implemented for the betterment of the association so as to maintain a good standard and keep the sanity of the game at all-time.
” I want to warn you because it is very important we keep the game clean, avoid the acceptance of bribes, incentives or gifts from individuals”. LFA Boss noted.
He indicated that as a result of poor performances from some referees, the association has received numerous of complaints from the National County Sports Meets even though they are not the organizers, but they are being held responsible in cases where the referees” default allegedly.
While Mr. Raji was delivering the official opening remarks for the training, the LFA Boss was in attendance with Executive Committee Member, Cyprus Yeanaye, Referees Committee Chairman, Judge Joseph Kollie as well as Referees Director Stanley Konah Sr.
Making a brief remark as lead facilitator Seychellois born, Jason Damoo who was assisted by two former FIFA Badge Liberian Referees, Isaac T.Z. Montgomery and Abraham Fahnbulleh expressed his gratitude to the LFA for hosting him which marks the fourth time in as many years while outlining the aim of his visit.
The FIFA Instructor used the occasion to caution the referees to keep the high standards and play by the laws of the game at the same time commended the LFA for giving the opportunities for females’ participation.
” I am told we should create more spaces for women, and I am highly impressed with the number of females attending the training”. FIFA Instructor Jason Damoo. Mentioned.
For his part, Judge Kollie calls on participants to take advantage of the Elite Course especially following the below Pal-performance, citing that the training is not a social gathering rather intended to impact knowledge.
AK/LINA