President George Weah
Liberia's President, George Weah, has been appointed the Pan-African Inter-School Championship's first Ambassador.
The nomination comes as a result of a joint meeting between the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), the Liberian Football Association (LFA), the private and public sectors, and others in the effort to expand opportunities for youth through football.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, LFA President Mustapha Raji, members of the LFA Executive Committee (EXCO), and Minister of Youth and Sports Zeogar Wilson were in the delegation.
CAF President Dr. Motsepe stressed to representatives present in a series of meetings that Liberia had enormous potential that could be realized by creating more opportunities for children by football.
He also emphasized that working together for the sake of African football was the only way to ensure the game's and the continent's growth. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized this appeal, citing the iconic George Weah – now President of Liberia – as an excellent example of the positive effect football can have on a society.
Following that, a formal meeting with the Minister of Youth and Sports was held. CAF President Dr. Motsepe said, "We hear your concerns and would like to assure you of CAF's commitment to work with Liberian football and government authorities to improve football infrastructure here."
The delegation, together with the Minister of Youth and Sports, then visited the Samuel K Doe Football Complex, which has been fitted with a new turf pitch through funding from the FIFA Forward (https://fifa.fans/2R1hqAN) programme.
Speaking at the complex, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “FIFA believes that every country should have access to the best quality pitches and football facilities, and we will work with CAF to bring about more improvements to Liberia.”
An audience with Liberian President, His Excellency George Weah followed. Strengthening African and Liberian football was central to discussions, with Gianni Infantino stating: “We are happy to be in a country so passionate about football. We are here to give you CAF and FIFA’s full support to take football into a new era and we will work with you to do this.”
Talks also covered the power of football on economies. “Football and economic development go hand in hand, so let’s try through football to invest in job creation,” said CAF President Dr. Motsepe. “It’s also our duty to make sure stadia meet the required standards, and CAF will work with the Liberian authorities to do so.”
The conclusion of the meeting saw the CAF and FIFA Presidents present President Weah – the only African to have won the FIFA World Player of the Year award – with a certificate announcing him as the first Ambassador of the Pan-African Inter-School Football Championship.
Gianni Infantino said: “President Weah is an icon of football and now a respected statesman. FIFA and CAF are delighted to have his support. His stellar football career is an inspiration to young Africans and we welcome him on board this initiative, supported by the African Union, which will see football competitions at the national level in schools throughout Africa. Football offers us a unique opportunity to connect with young people and empower them through this programme.”
The joint delegation then visited the construction site at the headquarters of the LFA to discuss the developments that have taken place in expanding women’s football in the country, before attending a women’s youth football match at Antoinette Tubman Stadium.
Before kick-off, LFA President Mustapha Raji thanked both the CAF and FIFA Presidents for visiting his country and for believing in the power of football to give hope, education, and joy to children in Liberia. This was followed by addresses from the Minister of Education and Youth and Sports respectively.
CAF President Dr. Motsepe’s took to the stage for a short address, concluding: “We must be proud of and thankful to the LFA President for his excellent work. Football has a bright future here. The girl who is going to be the African winner of The Best FIFA Women’s Player Award.
