Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, has stressed the need for strict accountability regarding all state funds allocated to football.
His comments come amid concerns over the $100,000 appearance fee Black Stars management members received during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In an exclusive interview with CitiSports, Kofi Adams indicated that every money utilised by the FA should be justified whether it’s from the state directly or FIFA.
“Well, every money that is given must be justified.”
“And so we would have to find out for every money that goes out, whether it’s coming from the state directly or from FIFA, it must come with an explanation.”
“Each utilization must come with an explanation. There is no such money that anyone will say that this doesn’t belong to this person or that person.
“The state is responsible for a number of things, including even salaries and allowances of the head coach and some technical persons.”
“The state sometimes can take upon itself to do a number of things for the national team.”
“So if FIFA gives some money for the running of the sport, it cannot be the case that that is treated as some private money that can be used by some individuals in any way, anyhow. So accountability.”
“If truly they deserve, let’s see the justification.”
“It’s that justification that will tell. But so far, mentioning them taking $100,000 without justification for me is truly, truly not the way to go.”
Dr. Randy Abbey, chairman of the Black Stars management committee, has defended the $100,000 appearance fee, insisting that committee members were entitled to the payment.
Meanwhile, the senior national team is set to face Chad at home before travelling to play Madagascar between March 17-25, 2025, as part of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The qualifiers will continue later in the year, with additional fixtures scheduled between September 1-9, 2025, before the campaign concludes with crucial matchups against Central African Republic and Comoros between October 6-14, 2025.
