By: Barclay Karnley Jr
MONROVIA: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has made another interesting history as he signed into law an act which created the National Sports Fund Authority, a landmark bill crafted and sponsored by River Gee County Senator, Jonathan ‘Boycharles’ Sogbie.
Senator Sogbie is one of Liberia’s celebrated male national soccer team’s (Lone Star), former players.
Sogbie’s latest move has been described by some enthusiastic members of the Liberian sporting public as a ‘colossal and indelible positive action’ which may be nationally beneficial to all sporting groups in the country, especially the male national soccer team, Lone Star.
The Act, now signed into law and subsequently printed into handbill, establishes the Liberia National Sports Fund Authority, a dedicated government body formally tasked with mobilizing, managing, and disbursing funds to support sports development across the country.
The senate overwhelmingly passed the bill on July 23, 2025, with a concurrence by the House of Representatives when President Boakai subsequently signed it into law.
The move marks a historic shift for Liberia’s struggling sports sector.
Speaking after the approval on Monday, August 17, 2026, Senator Jonathan Boycharles Sogbie, a former star striker for the Liberia National Team, (Lone Star), described the law as a long-overdue solution to decades of underfunding, poor infrastructure, and logistical challenges that have plagued Liberian athletes.
“This Act is not just legislation. It is a lifeline for our athletes, coaches, and the future of sports in Liberia,” he declared.
“For too long, our national teams and young talents have suffered from neglect. This law ensures sustainable and transparent financing for sports,” he emphasized
Under the new law, sports fund will be financed through levies on luxury and non-sport-related goods while additional revenue will come from annual budgetary subsidies, donations, and grants.
The funds are earmarked exclusively for construction and modernization of stadiums and sporting facilities, support for national teams in international competitions, Youth development programs and talent discovery including Training and certification of coaches and technical staff.
The National Sports Fund Authority will operate under a Board of Directors with oversight from the legislature.
All funds, including donations and subsidies, will be subject to annual independent audits with findings made public to ensure transparency and accountability.
President Boakai’s endorsement of the Act aligns with his administration’s commitment to revitalize grassroots sports and investment in sports infrastructure across the country.
It can be recalled in June 2025, River Gee County Senator, Jonathan Sogbie, introduced an Act to Create the National Sports Fund Authority, aimed at sourcing sponsorship for sports development and activities in Liberia.
Senator Sogbie, at a press conference, disclosed that the act is designed to implement strategic measures that will generate necessary funding for sports development and investment in the country.
He emphasized the importance of establishing a dedicated public agency to manage and account for the funds generated and their utilization.
According to him, the primary objective of the act is to enhance sports development across Liberia by creating a dedicated fund that provides sustainable financial resources for the growth of football and other sports disciplines.
Senator Sogbie believes that this initiative will ensure transparency and accountability in managing funds allocated for sports development.
The national sports fund will be financed through levies, budgetary subsidies, and other revenue sources as outlined in the act.
“The funding mechanism includes a levy imposed on the following goods: all apparel and footwear, cosmetics, and luxury vehicles.
Additional contributions to the national sports fund will come from annual budgetary subsidies, donations, and grants.
The revenue generated from this levy will be exclusively allocated to the Liberia National Sports Fund.
Senator Sogbie further clarified that the Liberia National Sports Fund will be managed by a newly established government agency.
The agency will operate under the supervision of a board of directors and the oversight of the legislature.
He stated that all funds generated, including donations and subsidies, will be audited annually by a reputable independent institution, and the findings will be published.
The day-to-day operations and administrative functions of the authority will be overseen by a director general, who, along with deputies, will be appointed by the President of Liberia with the senate’s consent.
The director general will also have the authority to appoint additional staff members, subject to the board of directors’ approval.
The board of directors will include representatives from all sports disciplines in Liberia.
The Minister of Youth and Sports will serve as Chairperson, the President of the Liberia Football Association (LFA) will be the Co-Chairperson, and the Director General of the Authority will act as Secretary General to the Board. All decisions made by the board will require a majority vote for approval.
Senator Sogbie emphasized that funds generated under this act will be used exclusively for sports development in Liberia. The act will be subject to amendments by the legislature based on changing circumstances, and any conflicting laws or provisions will be repealed or deemed null and void. Finally, the act will take effect upon passage and approval by the President of Liberia.
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