Lawmaker Submits National Sports Fund Act

River-Gee-County-Senator-Jonathan-Sogbie

River Gee County Senator Jonathan Sogbie has introduced an Act to Create the National Sports Fund Authority, aimed at sourcing sponsorship for sports development and activities in Liberia. During a press conference on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Senator Sogbie explained 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.

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,” he stated.

Senator Sogbie further clarified that the Liberia National Sports Fund will be managed by a newly established government agency. This agency will operate under the supervision of a Board of Directors and the oversight of the Legislature. 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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