FA resists government’s ‘imposition’ of Abedi Pele

Hearts new Chairman, Fred Crentsil, spokesperson Randy Abbey and president Kwasi Nyantakyi all of the GFA.   The Ghana Football Association says it cannot grant a request by the government to replace the FA's president, Kwasi Nyantakyi with Abedi Pele as nominee for a vacant CAF executive committee post. This is a decision taken by the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association after an emergency meeting Thursday. The meeting followed a letter signed by the Sports Minister, Akua Sena Dansua directing the Association to forward the name of Abedi Pele instead of Kwesi Nyantakyi to CAF to vie for the vacant position at the Federation. The directive, critics say, smacks of government interference in football, a phenomenon abhorred by CAF and FIFA. The country risks being banned from both associations if government is found culpable of interfering in football administration. Spokesperson for the Ghana Football Association, Randy Abbey, told Joy News shortly after the Executive Council meeting that the FA is surprised at the sudden u-turn by the government. According to him, before the name of Kwesi Nyantakyi was submitted to CAF, the FA in a spirit of partnership informed and sought the ‘blessings’ and backing of the government, a request which was duly granted in writing. He said the FA has submitted its nominee already, received a written reply from CAF and therefore cannot grant government’s new request. Mr. Abbey stated emphatically that per CAF’s rules and regulations it is only the football associations that must present a nominee to CAF for any position and not the government. He added that the FA was under no legal obligation to seek approval of the government before making any nomination to CAF or FIFA but that it was only an act of courtesy and spirit of cooperation that led the FA to seek the backing of the government before sending its nominee to CAF. Mr. Abbey however noted it is premature to suggest any CAF sanctions on Ghana and hoped the issue will be resolved amicably. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana