Speculation is growing in Monrovia that the Lone Star will be unable to fulfil their Nations Cup qualifier against Ethiopia because of money problems.

The FA is short of funds and the government says it does not have the money to pay for the trip to Addis Ababa.

In the past, President Taylor has dipped into his 'personal' finances to subsidise the Lone Star, but it appears that even that source of money is drying up.

The rebel war and UN sanctions have left the country close to bankruptcy.

Coaching staff have also threatened to stop work if their wages are not paid.

Head coach Kadala Kromah said he had not received a penny for eight months, and would quit if at least half his outstanding pay was not handed over.

The problems being faced by the national team have called into question the decision by FA boss Edwin Snowe to go the US for four years to study sport's administration.

His leaving the country has coincided with a sharp decline in Liberian football.

Few of the players who went to the Nations Cup in Mali are playing in Europe any more, and there is little prospect of a new generation of players filling the void.

In addition, Liberian club Mighty Blue Angels is blaming the FA for its disqualification from the Cup Winners Cup.