For Unilateral Decision On Lone Star:
LFA Dissociates With Sports Ministry’s Decision
-Lone Star To Still Play Ethiopia

      

   March 24, 2003
 

    The Liberia Football Association (LFA) has reacted with disdain, the unilateral decision of the Minister of Youth and Sports, Max M. Dennis to withdraw the  National Team of Liberia, the Lone Star from all international competitions for a period of three to five years.

        In a press statement issued by its Public and Press office last Saturday following an emergency meeting, the FA Executive Committee said it finds it hard to believe that President Charles Taylor sanctioned the decision, when in fact, at one of the recent press conferences, he indicated that the Team will honor her match with Ethiopia, even if it cost every citizen to contribute.

       The FA Executive Committee stressed that the cost associated with the withdrawal is higher than Liberia's participation in the four remaining matches of the African Cup of Nations qualifying series.

      The release drew the attention of the Minister's decision without any reference to the Football House to withdraw the U-17, U-20, U-23 National teams and also withdraw the senior National Team, the Lone Star, from the zone three tournament in Niger at which time  air tickets and hotel accommodations were offered free of charge.

      The FA release further indicated that the Executive Committee finds it difficult to understand the role of  Minister Max M. Dennis in the development of youth  football in a government that has and continue to do everything for the promotions and development of the  game with its limited resources and setbacks.

       The FA dissociated itself from the Minister's action and stressed that everything will be done to ensure that the Team goes to Ethiopia to honor her match and  subsequent participation in the Nations' Cup qualifying series.

      The FA Executive Committee than extended gratitude  to the Patron of Sports, President Charles Taylor for his expressed commitment in a telephone conversation  with the Presid ent of the Liberia Football Association, Edwin Snowe, in ensuring that the Lone  Star honors her match against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on March 30, 2003.

      The FA release further called on well meaning  Liberians, Business Establishments, Government officials, the Lone Star Mobilization Committee and  the public to rally around the FA to ensure that the dreams of Liberians, regarding Liberia's participation  in the Nations Cup are realized.

      It can be recalled on Friday, March 21, Youth and Sports Minister Max Dennis wrote and informed the LFA of the decision of the Government of Liberia to  suspend the Lone Star football Team from all international matches.

        According to the MYS' release, the decision to  suspend the National Team from international competitions emanates from the high cost associated  with the preparation, training and travel of the Lone Star Team, and the fact that Government continues to grapple with the maintenance of security around the country, and the priority which it gives to the protection of its citizens.

       "The Chief Patron of Sports, His Excellency Dahkpannah Dr. Charles Taylor, President of the Republic of Liberia, who has always been at the  forefront of ensuring that programs are sourced for the the sustained implementation for the development  of home-based athletes, is adamant that the suspension of the activities of the Lone Star covers a period of  three to five years, where the welfare of our athletes will be attended. This restructuring period will  entail ther development of athletes at the U-13, U-17 and U-23 age group," the MYS release said.

       With specific reference to the match between Liberia  and Ethiopia , which is scheduled for 30th March 2003, the MYS said it is to be understood that to meet  the requirements of training and the adjustment of our athletes to the high and harsh altitude in Addis Ababa, the Team is unable to depart the Country for Ethiopia.

      "Face as we are, without adequate funds to meet  these requirements, it has become prudent for Government to reach this regrettable, but necessary, decision," the MYS pointed out.

     Concluding, the Sports Ministry said it will  continue to work hand-in-had with the LFA for the
reactivation of all football league, especially the  County and National Meet, this being the foundation upon which the emergence of talented athletes will  been seen.

      In a related development, reports received by our  Sports Desk have it that the Chief Patron of Sports, President Charles Taylor has overturned Minister Dennis' decision to withdraw the Lone Star from international competitions.

      According to the reports, President Taylor said the  Minister did not consult his office before coming out with such a decision at this critical time in the  country's history. It added that the President was very bitter with the Minister's decision because he knows fully well that the Lone Star brings joy to Liberians when it plays. 

      The reports also said President Taylor will always  support Liberia's participation in international competitions because it helps paint a positive image of Liberia despite action by detractors to discredit Liberia.

Meanwhile, there is another report that President  Taylor is expected to approve the provision of funds today for the Lone Star to honor the match in  Ethiopia.