Deputy Youth and Sports Minister, Marbu Richard, says recent threat made on his life by some football fans would not be taken likely. Speaking to reporters at his Newport Street Office in Monrovia, Minister Richard said he would file an official complaint to the Police.

He said though no one has been identified in connection with the incident, but it was good to remain on the safe side since it has to do with his personal safety.

“I know what happy during  the 2004 qualifiers between Liberia and Senegal at the Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex, when angry fans went amok after the match ended 3-0 in favor of the Teranga Loins of Senegal.

They even went as far as breaking windshields of vehicles belonging to private individuals including the vehicle and business center of the President of the Liberia Football Association, Izetta Wesley, and that of the former coach Kadalla Kromah”, he pointed out.

Minister Richard said that fans’ allegation that he was interfering with the work of the technical staff as it relates to who should be included on the national team for the away match against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday is unfounded.

He said at no time had he influenced the decision of the technical staff saying, the selection process of foreign-based players was done without interference from anyone at the Ministry.

he soft-spoken Sports Minister also revealed that the Liberian national team would leave for Equatorial Guinea this Friday September 1, instead of Saturday, as was being reported in the media.  Minister Richard said a 30-man delegation is expected to make the trip including officials and players.

He said the delegation will stay a night in Nigeria before leaving for the final destination. According to the Minister, due to the recent delay in the passage of the 2006\2007 national Budget by the Legislature, the government has taken a US$48,000 loan from the Liberia International Bank Limited, (IB) to enable the team honor its first international match in the group stage of the 2008 Nations Cup Qualifiers.

Ahead of the match, the Lone Star moved to camp last Friday at Thinker Village, on the Roberts Field Highway with 27 players. The players include nine professionals and 16 home-grown side.