The exclusion of Andre Dede Ayew from the Black Stars squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic has prompted an urgent family meeting.
The uncles and parents of the Black Stars captain are planning to gather to deliberate on the future of their son.
This information was shared by Solar Ayew, a retired Ghanaian footballer and elder brother of the iconic Abedi Pele, during an interview with Angel FM.
According to Solar Ayew, the family was not surprised by the development and will convene to discuss the issue before releasing an official statement.
Andre Ayew’s absence from the 26-man squad, announced by coach Otto Addo on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, was particularly notable.
Following the squad announcement, Fiifi Tackie, the spokesperson for the Ayew family, issued a statement reaffirming Andre Dede Ayew’s dedication to the Black Stars.
In a social media post on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, Fiifi Tackie emphasized that since his debut in 2007, Andre Ayew has consistently demonstrated loyalty and commitment to the national team and will continue to do so.
“Andre Ayew’s dedication to Ghana is unwavering and lifelong, a commitment that began in his childhood and remains unshakable to this day.
Through thick and thin, he stands proudly as a son of the nation, his passion and loyalty to Ghana burning bright for all to see. Today, tomorrow, and forever, Andre Ayew’s heart beats for Ghana,” he said.
Revealing the background work leading up to the squad announcement, Otto Addo explained that he had conversations with Andre Ayew and that the Black Stars skipper was not entirely convinced by his decision to exclude him from the squad.
According to Otto Addo, the Black Stars skipper did not agree with the decision to be dropped from the squad, but despite Ayew’s opposition, he still holds him in high regard.
“I had a long talk with André and gave him the reasons why he is not in the squad. I talk to players directly and don’t like to disclose information about our discussions. This is the decision we took, and it’s not like he necessarily agreed, but I still have great respect for him,” he said.
Since making his Ghana debut in 2007, Andre Dede Ayew has played 120 times for the Black Stars, scoring 24 goals.