Rev. Luther Tarpeh Seeks Over US$5 Million Budget Support to Boost Lone Star’s Qualification Hopes.

June 12, 2026

By Lazota Bility

Monrovia: The Chairperson for Mobilization of Liberia’s national football team, Lone Star, and Unity Party Chairman Rev. Luther Tarpeh, has appealed to the House of Representatives to allocate between US$5 to 10 million to support the national team, arguing that increased investment is critical to improving player welfare and enhancing Liberia’s chances of qualifying for major international competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Addressing plenary on Thursday, June 4, 2026, Tarpeh emphasized that football remains a powerful unifying force for Liberians and should be treated as a national priority rather than a political issue.

“We have come to ask for support for our national team. When the team plays, it does not recognize political parties; it represents Liberia,” Tarpeh told lawmakers.

According to him, years of inadequate investment in football have slowed the growth of the sport and limited opportunities for talented young Liberians. He noted that despite previous government support to sports programs, the national team continues to face significant financial challenges.

Tarpeh disclosed that during a recent visit to Morocco, members of the national team raised concerns about conditions affecting their welfare and performance.

“The players outlined major challenges to me during my stay with them in Morocco,” he said.

He further revealed that the national team currently owes outstanding hotel bills in four countries where it has traveled for international assignments.

“Even right now, our national team owes hotel bills, and up to now we have not paid those bills in four countries. For results to come, we need to invest and be very intentional,” Tarpeh stated.

The Lone Star Mobilization Chairman also argued that Liberian players remain among the least-paid footballers in the region despite their talent and commitment.

“These people have talent, but their talents are overlooked. We are requesting between five and ten million dollars to adequately take care of our national team. This appeal is void of politics; it is about Liberia,” he added.

The appeal sparked discussion among lawmakers, many of whom expressed support while stressing the importance of strategic planning and sustainable investment in sports development.

Representative Dixon Seboe of Montserrado County Electoral District #16 urged football authorities to ensure that support for the national team remains free from political influence.

“The issue of Lone Star goes far beyond politics. We need to approach this process at a non-political level if we are to receive the full support of Liberians,” Seboe said.

Also speaking, Representative Jacob Debee of Grand Gedeh County Electoral District #3 emphasized that success in sports requires discipline, planning, and long-term commitment.

“When the national team is being discussed, we should discuss it outside politics. Success is not overnight. No amount of money alone can change that. Sports is discipline. I am urging them to put together a program that we can support so that in the next three years we know where we want to be as a team,” Debee said while pledging his support.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Sports, Representative Steve Tequah of River Cess County Electoral District #2, welcomed the appeal and recounted some of the financial difficulties experienced by national teams.

“I traveled with one of the teams. We traveled by air and returned by bus because we did not have the money. The amount being proposed is actually small because all of the national teams need support. We need to be intentional when it comes to supporting sports in Liberia,” Tequah said.

He noted that Liberia possesses talented athletes capable of competing at the highest level if provided with adequate support and investment.

As lawmakers deliberated on the matter, Representative Dorwohn T. Gleekia of Nimba County Electoral District #6 proposed that the Speaker engage other branches of government to explore sustainable financing options for sports development.

He further recommended the establishment of a seven-member committee to work with Tarpeh and his team in identifying long-term support mechanisms for the national team.

Plenary subsequently endorsed the proposal through a voice vote, paving the way for the formation of the committee.

Acting on the decision, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon constituted a seven-member committee and named Representative Dixon Seboe of Montserrado County Electoral District #16 as Co-Chairman.

The committee is expected to engage relevant stakeholders and provide recommendations on sustainable funding and support for Liberia’s national football program.

The appeal comes as Liberia seeks to strengthen its football infrastructure, improve player welfare, and enhance its prospects of qualifying for major continental and international comp