Is AC Milan’s George Weah the right man to become Liberia’s next President?

Of the 22 candidates standing for President in the tiny West African country’s presidential election, few have anything like the name recognition of Liberia’s soccer legend and FIFA 1996 player of the year, George Weah. The former AC Milan striker won the nomination of his Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) more than a month ago and is campaigning evergetically.

In the UK the Spreadfair spread-betting exchange has now opened a market on whether Weah will do it and the money seems to getting behind the former soccer star. In the spread, listed in Spreadfair’s “specials section” not politics, the price is 17-18 with 25 points on him winning and 10 points on him coming second

Weah, who was voted Africa’s player of the year and Africa’s player of all times, was also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

The election has been set for October 11th and if Weah withdraws or the date is set back by more than a fortnight all bets will be void.

But be warned – Weah’s campaign is controversial and he is having trouble convincing other Liberian footballers. Jonathan Sogbie, one of the members of Weah’s Liberian side, has followed another star, James Debbah, in attacking Weah’s plan.

Sogbie held a news conference to declare that Weah was “incapable” of governing his country. Weah is also being attacked for not having the level of education required for the top job – he dropped out of secondary school.

Mike Smithson