The Liberian Senate on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, overwhelmingly passed the “Act to Establish the Liberia National Sports Fund Authority,” marking a pivotal moment in the country’s efforts to institutionalize and finance national sports development.
The bill, introduced by Senator Jonathan Boycharles Sogbie of River Gee County, a former star striker of the Lone Star national football team -seeks to create a sustainable and independent source of funding to support the advancement of sports across the Republic of Liberia.
A Lifeline for Liberian Sports:
For decades, Liberia’s athletes and national teams have endured underfunding, lack of infrastructure, and logistical embarrassment on the international stage.
The passage of this bill is now being hailed as a long-overdue solution to the chronic neglect that has plagued Liberia’s sports sector.
At the heart of the legislation is the creation of the Liberia National Sports Fund Authority, a government body with the exclusive mandate to mobilize, manage, and disburse funds for sports development.
Financing for the fund will be raised through levies on luxury and non-sport-related goods, ensuring a consistent revenue stream dedicated solely to sports.
These funds will be directed toward:
Construction and modernization of stadiums and sporting facilities
Support for national teams in international competitions
Youth development programs and talent discovery
Training and certification of coaches and technical staff
During the Senate debate, Senator Sogbie, once a household name in Liberian football, delivered an impassioned address on the Senate floor, speaking not just as a lawmaker, but as someone who has lived the realities of under-resourced sports.
“Our athletes have carried this nation’s flag with pride, often without support, without facilities, and without dignity,” Sogbie declared. “This Fund is more than legislation; it’s a statement that Liberia takes sports seriously.”
Sogbie, who has championed youth and sports since his election to the Senate, emphasized that his motivation comes from a deep personal conviction to give back.
“It was through sports that I found national and international recognition. This is my way of saying thank you to Liberia. The next generation of athletes deserves better than we had,” he said.
He also announced plans to construct state-of-the-art stadiums in strategic regions, including one in River Gee County, which would be the first of its kind in that part of the country.
A Turning Point for National Pride:
The passage of the bill comes at a time when calls have grown louder for more structured investment in youth development and national unity.
Sporting success has long served as a unifying force in Liberia -something Senator Sogbie believes this Fund can rekindle.
“Sports unite us, inspire us, and show us what Liberia is capable of,” he told colleagues. “This is the first step toward creating a system that works-one that produces results, not shame.”
The Senator also praised the current administration for creating the political will to support the bill’s passage, stating that while Liberia once had a former footballer as President. “The environment to finally institutionalize sports investment is only now taking shape.”
Wider Legislative Success for River Gee:
Alongside the passage of the Sports Fund Bill, Senator Sogbie also secured the Senate’s approval of three additional bills aimed at boosting local development in his constituency.
These include:
Massaville Township in Duwalaken
Hinnehville City in Kelipo Kanweaken
Jarkaken City in Chedepo Administrative District
These legislative wins mark a significant development milestone for Gbeapo and Chedepo districts, promising greater administrative recognition and potential access to national development programs.
With the Senate’s approval secured, the bill now moves to the House of Representatives for concurrence. If passed, it will be sent to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for signature.
Sports analysts, youth leaders, and civil society groups have praised the bill’s intent and scope.
Many believe this could be a defining moment for Liberian sports, providing the foundation for long-term growth and international competitiveness.
