MONROIA – Liberia’s former President George Weah has put to rest rumors of his death, not with words, but with a strong showing at a FIFA Anti-Racism Committee meeting in Morocco. The rumors, which claimed Weah had passed away in a Ghanaian hospital, were swiftly dwarfed by his live appearance on the international stage. Weah’s presence in Morocco not only debunked the false reports but also exposed the deep-seated animosity some Liberians have towards him. Weah, who was in Morocco to chair the FIFA Player Voice Panel, used the opportunity to promote unity and condemn racism in football. “Racism is a disease,” he said. “We cannot continue to condone it, especially on the field where everyone should be working together and enjoying the game. THE ANALYST’S George C Flomo reports.
Former Liberian President and 1995 Ballon d’Or winner, Dr. George Manneh Weah, has officially assumed leadership of the FIFA Player Voice Panel, a newly established initiative aimed at combating racism and discrimination in football.
The inaugural meeting, held this weekend in Rabat, Morocco, brought together prominent former players and FIFA officials, including President Gianni Infantino, who praised Weah’s long-standing advocacy for equality and his continued influence on and off the pitch.
Delivering remarks at the panel’s opening session with FIFA President Infantino, Weah called on football stakeholders across the world to unite against racism, describing it as a “disease” that must be eradicated from the “beautiful game.”
“As the great Nelson Mandela once said, racism is a blight on human conscience,” Weah told the gathering. “We must build upon FIFA’s current efforts, the work of federations, governments, and civil society to find new and innovative solutions to this ugly situation. Humanity depends on all of us to succeed.”
He reminded the assembly that many of the panel members, including himself, had personally experienced racial abuse during their playing careers, making their voices critical in driving global change.
“We understand how profoundly damaging racism is not just to players, but to fans and humanity at large,” he said. “Let us continue to kick racism out of the game for the good of football and for humanity.”
Bizarre Spectacle Back Home
Liberia’s former President George Weah live appearance in Morocco hugely contradict rumours of his death that spread like wildfire recently, saying clearly he is alive and kicking – literally!
The rumours, which claimed Weah had passed away in a Ghanaian hospital, were put to rest when he appeared in a Facebook live video, chairing a FIFA Anti-Racism Committee meeting.
But what’s more shocking is how some Liberians reacted to the news, some quickly were celebrating the rumor of Weah’s demise, with some even taking to social media to express their joy.
“It was disturbing to see people rejoicing over the false news of his death,” said one source. “If that news, God forbade, was even true, it is sad that some Liberians could wish their former president dead simply because they don’t agree with his politics.”
Another source added: “Weah may not be perfect, but he’s still a Liberian and a symbol of our country’s pride on the international stage. It’s unfortunate that some people would rather see him dead than see him succeed.”
Weah, who was filmed live in Morocco for the FIFA meeting, used the opportunity to promote unity and condemn racism in football.
“Racism is a disease,” he said. “We cannot continue to condone it, especially on the field where everyone should be working together and enjoying the game. We are one people. Win today, lose tomorrow but we move on together.”
His message has been praised by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who lauded Weah’s leadership and advocacy for equality.
The episode has sparked a national conversation about the state of politics in Liberia, with many calling for more unity and less evil politics.
As Liberia moves forward, it’s clear that healing and reconciliation are still needed to move the country forward.
Weah’s message of unity and love is a timely reminder of the importance of putting country above personal interests.
Infantino Lauds Weah’s Leadership
In response, FIFA President Gianni Infantino commended Weah and his fellow panelists for their courage and commitment to speak out.
“George, thank you for your impactful words and leadership,” Infantino said. “The cause that brings us together is one of the most important we must defend. It’s time to move beyond talk now we must act.”
Infantino highlighted FIFA’s new disciplinary measures, educational programs, and reforms to strengthen the global fight against discrimination. He noted that the Player Voice Panel was born out of FIFA’s commitment, endorsed by all 211 member associations at the 2024 FIFA Congress in Bangkok, to give players a direct platform in policy discussions.
“Only as a team can we win,” Infantino said. “By speaking up, by acting, by raising awareness, we can use the global attention football commands to make lasting change.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino continue in charging the committee members to be honest and strengthen on this situation with in the football world.
“Let continue to remind ourselves, because sometimes,” he said, adding: “ We tend to think that there are things we are doing which is right but this is for us.”
Infantino further said: “The most important code because, let’s move with new creation, let’s move with ways we cultivate raise amongst our children for the future to bring people together, football brings people together to unite the world and we need unite the world also passing the right messages.”
He continued: “So, we have been doing a great work for the couple of days here. We are continuing the works, together this is the beginning of our actions uh Make sure that our, your Voice is heard not just here in Morocco but in this beautiful action of football.”
Weah Meets with Panel Members
In a separate session with fellow panelists, Weah reflected on his own journey as an African footballer who rose through discrimination to global recognition. He recalled how African players were once excluded from major awards until FIFA amended its rules in the early 1990s.
“When we spoke, FIFA listened,” Weah recounted. “That’s why I was able to win the Ballon d’Or in 1995. This shows that when we speak with one voice, the world listens. We must continue to recruit good advocates and promote understanding because racism is a threat to society.”
He urged his colleagues to remain committed to the mission, emphasizing teamwork, unity, and persistence.
“We need to speak, continue to recruit for good and good advises that will allow people to understand racism is a threat, it’s not a good thing for society. And we will not encourage it.”
He further that the panel will continue to be effective in it’s scope of operation “So, we’ll continue to find reason why people that are racists will not be among us, until they make peace, they show love, We continue to fight until we are successful in what we are doing”
In Exclusive Interview with FIFA Journalist
During an exclusive interview with a FIFA journalist, Weah said his involvement with the Player Voice Panel stems from his dual experience as both a former professional player and a former head of state.
“My voice is critical because I played the game and experienced racism,” he said. “I’m in a position to say no to racism, not just in football but across society.”
“Football is the only thing that brings so many people together,” he said. “It unites the world. That’s what makes it beautiful. The essence of the game is to enjoy, to play, and to love.”
Reflecting on his relationship with his former Monaco coach Arsène Wenger, Weah became emotional, describing him as “a father figure” who shaped his life and career.
“Wenger didn’t see color. He saw a human being,” Weah recalled. “He made sure I went to school, he built confidence in me, and he gave me my first opportunity to play. Everything I achieved, I did it to make him proud.”
Weah used the opportunity to call on fans, players, and administrators to reject racism and promote peace and harmony.
“Racism is a disease,” he said. “We cannot continue to condone it, especially on the field where everyone should be working together and enjoying the game. We are one people. Win today, lose tomorrow but we move on together.”
He stressed the need for education, awareness, and friendship among young players.
“Everyone won’t love you, but that’s okay,” Weah concluded. “We must continue to promote friendship and keep racism out of the most beautiful game.”
The FIFA Player Voice Panel, chaired by George M. Weah, brings together retired players and global football figures to strengthen player representation and address social issues within the sport. Its focus areas include combating racism, improving player welfare, and promoting diversity and inclusion. The Morocco session marks the first official convening of the panel since its establishment, signaling FIFA’s commitment to translating dialogue into concrete action.