Liberia has become the second African country to benefit from the FIFA Arena project, with the inauguration of two new artificial mini pitches in Margibi and Montserrado counties.
Fully funded by FIFA, the facilities will directly benefit more than 3,000 children by providing safe, modern spaces to play football.
The FIFA Arena initiative is part of a global plan to install at least 1,000 mini pitches worldwide by 2031, in line with FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s pledge at the 2024 Sustainable Sports Summit in Paris.
The project supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by giving children, especially in disadvantaged areas, more access to sports opportunities.
FIFA Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer and Regional Director for Africa, Gelson Fernandes, praised the development:
“These brand-new, sustainable spaces offer children a safe and inspiring environment to play and grow through football.”
“Liberia holds a special place in global football thanks to George Weah, and I’m confident some of these young players will follow in his remarkable footsteps.”
The inauguration was attended by Fernandes alongside Liberia’s Minister of Youth and Sports Jeror Cole Bangalu, retired Minister of National Defense Geraldine Janet George, and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia Davidson Fayiah Forleh.
Meanwhile, FIFA is also funding a major upgrade of the Gompa Stadium under the FIFA Forward program.
With an investment of USD 750,000, the project will see the installation of a FIFA-standard artificial turf, modern drainage and irrigation systems, floodlights, and improved stands.
The renovated venue will serve Liberia’s men’s, women’s, and youth national teams, as well as grassroots competitions and community events year-round.
Beyond football, the stadium upgrade is expected to stimulate local economic activity, create jobs, and enhance Liberia’s prospects of hosting regional and international tournaments.
Launched in 2016, FIFA Forward is the world’s largest sports development program.
By 2026, FIFA will have invested a record-breaking USD 5 billion globally to make football “truly global.”
