All
Over For Lone Star
 By: Julu M. Johnson, Jr.
March 22, 2003
Matter has become worse for the Liberia national team Lone Star as far
as international participation is concerned.
A press release from the Ministry of Youth and Sports is quoted as
saying that the Liberian government has called for the withdrawal of
the Lone Star from all international engagements including the 2004
African Nations Cup qualifying matches. The withdrawal takes immediate
effect.
Before the decision was taken, there was a big doubt over the team's
participation.
The Sports Ministry release said the government's decision emanated
from the high cost associated with the team's preparation, training
and travel.
The Ministry also said that the government continues to grapple with
the maintenance of security around the country and the priority which
it gives to the protection of its citizens.
The Ministry of Sports, however, said President Charles Taylor is
adamant that the suspension of the team's activities covers a period
of three to five years, where the welfare of athletes will be
attended.
The Ministry claimed that the restructure period will entail the
development of athletes at the Under-13, Under-17 and Under-23 age
group.
The decision implies that the team's pending trip to Ethiopia where it
was scheduled to play their host on either March 29 or 30, 2003 has
been cancelled.
While awaiting eleven foreign based players for the trip, the local
Lone Star was already engaged in training. All of such effort has been
wasted.
As a serious punishment from African Football Confederation (CAF) is
imminent, the Sports Ministry release has, meanwhile, mentioned that
the Lone Star will undergo a restructure for the next five to six
years before entering international competition.
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