THE French soccer magazine France Football yesterday named 50 players from whom the 1996 European Footballer of the Year will be chosen.

Liberian striker George Weah of AC Milan last year became the first non-European to win the trophy after the rules were changed to extend the award to the best footballer playing in Europe, regardless of nationality.

Weah is among 20 players remaining from the first list of 50 chosen last year. Euro '96 had a strong impact, with 35 on the list having taken part in the European Championship finals in England last June.

Germany have the highest number of nominees (eight), followed by France (seven). Italy have dropped from eight nominations last year, to five this year, although 18 of the 50 play in Italy. The Czech Republic provide four players - they had none last year.