Gianni Infantino @ 10: FIFA Chief applauds Liberia’s rapid football development

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described Liberia as one of the fastest-developing Member Associations in world football, citing major infrastructure gains and strong leadership within the country’s football administration.

In a message issued as he marks ten years in office on 26 February 2026, Infantino praised the leadership of Liberia Football Association President Mustapha Raji and the impact of FIFA-funded projects across the country.

“Liberia is one of the fastest developing Member Associations and I have been impressed with the progress made under the leadership of Liberia Football Association (LFA) President Mustapha Raji,” Infantino stated.

The FIFA President pointed to the transformative role of the FIFA Forward Programme and the FIFA Arena project in strengthening Liberia’s football infrastructure.

“The FIFA Forward program and FIFA Arena project have made a significant contribution to football infrastructure in Liberia with the inauguration of two new pitches in Montserrado and Margibi counties, state-of-the-art headquarters for the LFA, as well as renovation of Antoinette Tubman Stadium and Samuel Doe Stadium,” he said.

The renovation of the historic Antoinette Tubman Stadium and the Samuel Doe Stadium represents a major boost for domestic competitions and national team matches, while the new pitches and modern LFA headquarters are expected to enhance grassroots and administrative capacity.

Infantino reaffirmed FIFA’s long-term commitment to supporting football development in the country through strategic collaboration.

“FIFA will continue to partner with the Government of Liberia and other stakeholders to drive the developmental agenda of LFA on all fronts.”

Under Infantino’s decade-long presidency, development funding for Member Associations has increased significantly through the FIFA Forward Programme, with African nations among key beneficiaries.

Liberia’s infrastructure upgrades and institutional strengthening form part of what FIFA describes as a broader push to expand opportunity, improve facilities and accelerate technical growth across the continent.