Ghana FA open to government investigation, fears Commission violates FIFA laws

Published on: 16 July 2014
Ghana FA open to government investigation, fears Commission violates FIFA laws
Ghana FA fears commission would violate FIFA laws

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) says it welcomes an investigation into the Black Stars shambles at the World Cup but insists that any inquest must be within the confines of FIFA laws to avoid further embarrassment for the country.

A government Commission of Enquiry (CoE), which has the powers of a high court, has been set up to investigate the country's showing at the tournament in Brazil which has raised eyebrows.

This comes after a Ministerial Committee was established to investigate the matter before President John Mahama recently upgraded it to the CoE using a Constitutional Instrument 82.

But leading lawyers in the country have expressed fears that the use of the CoE instead of the committee violates FIFA statutes which could lead to a ban on the country.

Government, during the just ended 2014 World Cup in Brazil, airlifted $3 million to settle the appearance fees of aggrieved Black Stars players which attracted international ridicule.

The GFA says it did not oppose any investigation but rather insisted that everything should be done within the statutes of FIFA to avoid further embarrassment for the country.

“When the Committee was set up, it had our full blessings; we were ready to offer ourselves to help the committee in its work," GFA spokesman Ibrahim Sannie Daara told Joy FM.

"Anybody called from the Ghana Football Association will appear. However, if it has been transformed into a Commission, it is up to us to decide if it falls under FIFA’s purview.”

Moreover, he indicated that any more publications about the matter in the media could lead to more embarrassment.

According to him, the World football governing body, FIFA, is actively monitoring events in the country.

The CoE intends to probe the Black Stars’ preparation to the mundial in Brazil and their poor show, which led to an early exit.

Also, it is in its power to enquire into matters relating to technical and management of the team by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) officials as well as issues regarding how supporters were carted to the tournament by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Establishment of the Commission has been greeted with several oppositions by lawyers and the opposition in Ghana’s legislature.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Learn more