MONROVIA – The Liberia Football Association (LFA), under the auspices of FIFA, successfully concluded a five-day FIFA MA Elite Referee Course on Monday, May 12, at its headquarters in Congo Town.
The intensive program was conducted by FIFA referee instructors Ali Mohammed Ahmed of Somalia (Technical Instructor) and Bento Thomas Navasse of Mozambique (Fitness Instructor), alongside local experts Isaac T.Z. Montgomery (Technical) and Abraham A. Fahnbulleh (Fitness).
A total of 28 referees from Montserrado, Margibi, Nimba, and Bong counties completed the rigorous training, which included fitness tests, theoretical sessions, and practical exercises. The course aimed to strengthen the referees’ fitness, consistency, knowledge, and overall performance, aligning their skills with international standards and preparing them for top-level competitions.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, LFA Acting President Prof. Sekou W. Konneh, on behalf of the Executive Committee, extended appreciation to the instructors for their dedication and to the referees for their commitment throughout the course.
Prof. Konneh praised the referees for their efforts during the recently concluded league season, while urging them to apply the knowledge gained with professionalism and aim for continuous improvement.
“Do not let the crowd influence your performance. Football today is a modern game that can be watched from anywhere, and as such, your performance will be evaluated at various levels,” Prof. Konneh advised. “I challenge you to rise above the pressure and perform even better.”
Instructor Ali Ahmed commended the LFA for its dedication to referee development and expressed gratitude to the Referees Department and Committee for their critical role in the course’s success.
“You are here as referees to uphold the integrity of the game, to respect the laws of the game, and to conduct yourselves with honesty and professionalism,” he emphasized.
The closing ceremony was graced by several key figures, including Judge Joseph M. Kollie, Chairman of the LFA Referees Committee; Lamine Kamara, President of the Liberia Football Referees Association; and Idrissa Kaba, member of the LFA Referee Committee.
