Former Ballon d’Or winner and Liberia President George Weah concedes victory to opposition after tight election

Liberia President and former football star George Weah has conceded victory in the latest presidential race.…CONTINUE READING

During a football career that spanned over 20 years, Weah played for some of the biggest clubs in the world including the likes of Paris Saint Germain, Manchester City, Chelsea and AC Milan.

The former striker got his hands on two Serie A titles, one FA Cup and one Coup de France amongst other trophies during his club career.

On the international stage, Weah played for his country, Liberia, on 75 occasions, scoring 18 goals along the way. He was also named African Footballer of the Year on two occasions.

The Liberian also clinched the Ballon d’Or award back in 1995, beating Jurgen Klinsmann and Jari Litmanen to the prestigious trophy.

Since retiring from football in 2003, Weah dived into the world of politics and was named President of Liberia in 2018, but has conceded victory in the latest run-off election.

In an address to the nation, Weah said, as per CNN: “The results announced tonight, though not final, indicate that Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai is in a lead that we cannot surpass. Therefore, a few minutes ago, I spoke with President-elect Joseph N. Boakai to congratulate him on his victory.

“Tonight, as we acknowledge the results, let us also recognize that the true winners of these elections are the people of Liberia.”

The run-off election was triggered after Weah won an earlier poll in October with a winning margin of just 7,000.

Shortly after clinching victory over Weah, new president-elect Joseph Boakai told Reuters: “We have a job ahead of us to do and I’m excited that the citizens have given us approval.

“First and foremost, we want to have a message of peace and reconciliation.”

It was reported that Boakai had 50.89 per cent of the votes and Weah only had 49.11 per cent.