Member of the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) Executive Committee, Dr. Randy Abbey, has reacted to those who accuse the GFA of being responsible for the collapse of once-dominant local football teams Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.
Both clubs have had severe declines in their domestic achievements in recent years as a result of their struggles in Africa’s main interclub competitions. Last season, neither team won a title.
Abbey vehemently rejected the idea that the GFA was to blame for the two legendary teams’ sad status. He emphasised that the GFA has no influence over Kotoko’s and Hearts’ daily activities, including the selection of their boards of directors or CEOs.
Responding to questions from sports journalists, Abbey defended the GFA’s position, saying, “Sometimes people ask questions, and we must help them understand. Does the GFA run Kotoko and Hearts? Is the GFA responsible for appointing the Board of directors for the clubs or CEOs for the clubs?
“Is the GFA responsible for the Circles and the Chapters? So what are we talking about? If the clubs are not doing well, what has that got to do with the GFA? I’m asking you, you live here.”
Fans and analysts are concerned about the struggles of these two successful clubs, believing that they are contributing to the country’s overall decline in football.