The government is optimistic that its decision to dissolve Ghana Football Association (GFA) will not attract sanctions from the by world football governing body, FIFA.
[contextly_sidebar id=”YzppevrCqeMKwoKH2H9RwV0Oeuf6Jhbe”]Speaking on Eyewitness News on Thursday, the government’s spokesperson on governance and legal affairs, Hebert Krapa said the Minister for Youth and Sports, [Isaac Asiamah] had been directed to inform and engage FIFA on the developments and ensure that the country is not sanctioned.
“It is our hope that this decision will not get to that stage. The Minister of Youth and Sports has instruction to begin that dialogue [with FIFA]. We are committed to that independence of the body and we will not interfere with the administration of the GFA. We are interested very much in protecting the laws of Ghana.”
The government in communication on Thursday night announced that it has effectively dissolved the Ghana Football Association after investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas premiered his latest exposé, titled ‘Number12’, with focus on corruption in Ghana football.
The government said it was shocked and outraged by the revelations in the piece hence the action.
Many have expressed fears that the government’s decision will cause the country to be slapped with sanctions by FIFA as the world football governing body may view the action as interference in national sports administration, contrary to its regulations.
But the government is optimistic that the country will not be punished.
Among other things, the dissolution of the GFA means;
A football association would not exist meaning that all positions held internationally would be lost. So Nyantakyi’s FIFA Council role will be taken away.
- An interim body will have to be set up to run football pending a decision from FIFA on the way forward.
- The local league will most likely to be put on hold awaiting decisions to be taken by an interim management body and FIFA. Also, clubs who are in international tournaments will be kicked out. Aduana is at risk as it is currently in the CAF Confederation Cup.
- National teams will not be allowed to take part in international competitions. Ghana’s Black Maidens and Princesses are preparing to take part in the Women’s U17 and U20 World Cup tournaments this year. The Black Queens will also lose their hosting rights for the of the 2018 Women’s AFCON. The ban will also freeze Ghana’s FIFA ranking.
The evils captured on tape
Anas’ video among other things caught top officials of the football association including its president, Kwesi Nyantakyi taking bribes to influence the offer of an invitation of players to the national team, affecting the duration of playing time offered to some players and influencing the selection of unfit players and referees to participate in games.
Kwesi Nyantakyi was also caught using the name of President Akufo-Addo and other top government officials to lure supposed foreign investors and take millions of dollars from them.
Also, more than 100 referees were caught on tape taking bribes to manipulate the outcome of games in a team’s favour.
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By: Jonas Nyabor/citinewsroom.com/Ghana
