World Cup Commission says it will not be intimated by FIFA

Published on: 11 August 2014
 World Cup Commission says it will not be intimated by FIFA
Moses Foh Amoaning

Ghana’s Presidential Commission of inquiry into the Black stars shambolic World Cup campaign has insisted it will carry out the probe despite a warning from the world governing body, FiFA.

The government-mooted probe insists FIFA cannot intimidate the commission from stopping its work citing the sovereign independence of Ghana.

A member of the commission, Moses Foh-Amoaning, rubbished the world governing body’s threats that the terms of reference of the commission violates FIFA’s statutes insisting the Switzerland-based body cannot stop the three-man body from investigating the Ghana FA.

Foh-Amoaning’s sharp reaction to FIFA came in the wake of threats by the world’s football governing body to apply appropriate sanctions against the move.

FIFA has warned that a Commission to investigate the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and delve into issues bordering on the competence and administration of football in the country is inappropriate.

This, it said, could lead to sanctions if the government goes ahead with the Commission’s terms of reference. But Foh-Amoaning, a legal practitioner, hit back at FIFA saying:

“As a sovereign nation, the Ghana Government has the right to probe the Stars’ campaign in Brazil since it is of public interest.

“Under no circumstance would we be intimidated by anybody or power and would cross the bridge when we get there,” he said.

In a letter dated August 7 and signed by Deputy General Secretary of FIFA, Markus Kattner, the body warned the country to stay clear of interfering in the affairs of the GFA and to respect the autonomy of the FA or risk sanctions.

Mr Foh-Amoaning said all football- related activities could be subjected to probe when necessary, citing how the Swizz Police once raided the office of the FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, unannounced in order to gain access to some vital documents in a matter which was under investigation.

“My brothers, tell me of what became of that action by the police. Was Switzerland sanctioned because of that investigation by the police?” he quizzed.

The Commission, which starts sitting today August 11 and working within a two-week period, has been tasked to look into the principles and policies that underpin systems and structures employed by the FA in running Ghana football.

They are mandated, amongst others, to look into events as pertained to preparations, exit, treatment of fans, remuneration of players and officials.

It is expected, therefore, to give an overview and recommendations per their findings at the close of work.

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