06/03/2026
Liberian Sports Journalist Thomas Kojo Roulhac Research of how George Weah helped the National Team…
While conducting my research to determine whether former Lonestar captain George Weah actually supported or did not support Liberia’s national team during his playing days, I came across several local and international newspaper headlines about Mr. Weah and his support to Lone Star.
Below are some of the notable headlines:
The Inquirer Newspaper – March 26, 1998
Headline: “Oppong rescues Liberia again … PAYS U.S.$5,000 TO FIFA”
Detail: The paper reported Weah personally paying Liberia’s arrears to FIFA to prevent suspension from international competitions.
Daily Observer – June 12, 1996
Headline: “Weah bankrolls Lone Star’s AFCON campaign”
Detail: Coverage during AFCON 1996 qualifiers, noting Weah funded travel and allowances so the team could compete abroad.
The News – September 8, 2000
Headline: “Weah pledges support for Lone Star”
Detail: Ahead of World Cup 2002 qualifiers, Weah promised to finance training camps and friendly matches.
The Inquirer – July 15, 2001
Headline: “Weah’s millions keep Lone Star alive”
Detail: Published during Liberia’s peak FIFA ranking (66th globally, 8th in Africa), crediting Weah’s financial backing for sustaining the squad.
Daily Observer – January 5, 2002
Headline: “Weah rescues Lone Star ahead of AFCON”
Detail: Reported his intervention in covering last‑minute expenses for Liberia’s participation in AFCON 2002 in Mali.
International Coverage of George Weah Sponsorship (1990–2002)
BBC Sport (UK) – June 1996
Reported Weah personally financing Liberia’s travel to AFCON 1996 in South Africa, covering allowances and logistics when the FA was broke.
The Guardian (UK) – October 1997
Published a feature on Weah’s dual role as AC Milan striker and benefactor of the Lone Star, describing him as “the man who pays for his country to play.”
BBC Sport (UK) – March 1998
Covered Weah’s payment of FIFA arrears (US$5,000) to keep Liberia eligible for World Cup qualifiers.
New York Times (USA) – September 2000
Reported Liberia’s struggles in World Cup 2002 qualifiers, noting Weah often stepped in to fund training camps and allowances.
France Football (France) – July 2001
Ran features on Weah’s patriotism during Liberia’s peak FIFA ranking (66th globally, 8th in Africa), highlighting his financial sacrifices for the national team.
Associated Press / Reuters – January 2002
Dispatches syndicated worldwide described Weah covering last‑minute expenses for Liberia’s participation in AFCON 2002 in Mali.
Nigerian Press
The Guardian Nigeria (July 2001) – Covered Liberia’s rise in FIFA rankings, crediting Weah’s financial sacrifices.
Punch Nigeria (January 2002) – Reported Liberia’s AFCON 2002 preparations, highlighting Weah’s role in logistics.
Ghanaian Press
Daily Graphic (July 2001) – Mentioned Liberia’s FIFA ranking peak, noting Weah’s dual role as captain and sponsor.
Ghanaian Times (January 2002) – Reported Liberia’s AFCON group stage, with references to Weah’s financial backing.
Pan‑African Sports Magazines & Websites
African Soccer Magazine (1996–2002) – Ran features on Weah’s patriotism, describing him as “the man who pays for his country to play.”
CAFonline.com archives – Match previews and reports often noted Weah’s influence beyond the pitch.
Note: this research has nothing to do with the everyday politics with UP and CDC. I did this research to clear the argument among some former national team players.
I am not in your UP and CDC politics.
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