On Thursday, Arsene Wenger congratulated former footballer George Weah on being elected as Liberia’s president even though the winner hasn’t actually been announced yet.

While Weah did take an early lead during Liberia’s presidential election, he’s yet to be officially announced as the winner. However, this didn’t stop false reports from popping up claiming that the ex-Monaco footballer, who played under Wenger between 1988 to 1992, had in fact been named as Liberia’s president.

In turn, these claims found their way to Wenger.

“I would like to congratulate one of my former players, who became president of Liberia,” said the boss during his presser on Thursday morning.

“It’s not often you have a former player who becomes president of a country. So well done, Georgie.”

While many are claiming that Wenger was ‘duped’ by false reports, he had probably been preparing for his pre-Watford press conference all morning and wouldn’t have had the chance to verify the rumours himself. He may have only just heard the ‘news’ and while you should always question such things as they’re presented to you, it’s human nature to take it at face value.

The reports aren’t entirely false either. Weah, who retired from playing football in 2003, was ahead in 11 out of 15 counties. He needs 50% of the votes for outright victory. So while it’s not 100% definite and no winner has been found just yet, it looks likely.

Plus, there’s no harm in Wenger sending his congratulations. It’s hardly the blunder of the century.

The 51-year-old failed in his two previous attempts.

Good luck, George.