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Tag: FIFA

  • ‘We are expecting two funds from FIFA’- GFA President Kurt Okraku

    President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku has revealed that his outfit is expecting two forms of funds from World Football governing body FIFA.

    The funds to be received from FIFA comes in two folds, the FIFA Forward and the FIFA Coronavirus Fund which is expected to help the FA during the period of distress caused by coronavirus.

    “We are also waiting for FIFA to fast track the process and get is the Emergency COVID-19 fund. We are expecting two funds from FIFA. The FIFA forward and the FIFA COVID-19 fund,” Kurt Okraku told Happy Sports.

    The Ghana Premier League is currently on suspension due to the outbreak of Coronavirus in the West African state.

    The impact of the pandemic has seen clubs cry for help from the FA, with the monies expected to be used as a form of relief for the association and teams.

    “FIFA forward money, you cant withdraw cash, you cant take loan with the cash and you cant misappropriate the fund. We have explained this to the clubs and again, Emergency fund is still being expected and we shall share that with the clubs when the money is paid to the FA,” said the President.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • FIFA postpones women’s Under-17 World Cup to 2021

    The women’s Under-17 World Cup, due to be held in India in November, has been postponed for three month, FIFA said Tuesday, adding to a growing list of sporting events hit by the pandemic.

    The tournament, to be played in five cities across the country, will now start February 17, football’s governing body said.

    India is looking to boost its international standing as a host of top sporting events after holding the men’s Under-17 World Cup in 2017.

    “All the host cities have put in a lot of effort and commitment so far, and we are happy that the new dates will allow them to make up for the lost time and provide momentum going forward,” the local organising committee said after the FIFA announcement.

    FIFA also unveiled new dates for this year’s U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica and Panama. It will now be played from January 20 to February 6, 2021.

    The 2020 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Lithuania has been pushed back to September 12 next year.

    Meanwhile, the 70th FIFA Congress, which was due to be held in Addis Ababa, will be run as an online event on September 18.

    The coronavirus has brought international sport to a standstill, but some football leagues are restarting — albeit behind closed doors.

    South Korea’s K-League came back to life last Friday and Germany’s Bundesliga football championship is to restart this weekend in empty stadiums.

    Source: france24.com

  • I have been neglected since 1996- Former U-17 captain Sebastian Barnes

    Former Ghana U-17 captain, Sebastian Barnes says he has been neglected by Ghana since 1996.

    After representing Ghana at the FIFA U-17 World Championship in both 1991 and 1993, Barnes earned one cap for the senior team in 1994.

    But the 43-year old says he has been neglected by the country.

    “I have been neglected since 1996,” he told Sikka FM in an interview.

    “I was painted black because of my haircut and earrings,” he added.

    Barnes began his career with Hearts of Oak before playing for top-level German teams Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FSV Mainz 05.

    In 1997, Barnes played for the Orlando Sundogs in the USISL A-League.

    After leaving Mainz in 1998, Barnes played for a number of lower league German clubs, including VfL Hamm/Sieg and SF Neitersen.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Ali Jarra football academy to give young footballers scholarship

    Ali Jaraa played in three juvenile FIFA World Cups, 1989, 1991, 1993 and one African Cup of Nations and won one juvenile World Cup in 1991, two silvers medals and one African cup of nations.

    He also played for Accra Hearts of Oak and won Ghana League Best Goalkeeper’s awards in the 1991/ 1992/1993 season.

    He won the Toyota Most Exciting Player award but mysteriously got paralyzed in 1993 which shocked the whole nation.

    He was taken abroad for medical treatment, and he returned home alive, but could not play his most loved game again, and his dreams of playing professional football in Europe was dashed.

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) officer decided to impart his knowledge and opened the Ali Jarra Soccer Academy at the Mamprobi Indafa Park and produced both male and female goalkeepers.

    Ghana has appointed him as coach of the national amputee team, who have been performing well as some players are now playing in Europe.

    Last year, he was honoured by the UN with the Kofi Annan Gold Star Award for his contribution to sports development and promotion.

    Arguably he is one of Ghana’s finest Juvenile Goalkeepers ever and wishes to leave a legacy.

    The Ali Jarra Football Academy is different from other academies because their focus is on education and want all players to be educated to the highest level they can go.

    Located at Dansoman in Accra, they have a hostel to lodge the players and have come into agreement with some of the popular schools in the community.

    He said footballers must be educated so that they can have other careers and developed skills after their playing days, in order to contribute to the economy of Ghana.

    He started coaching only goalkeepers, then moved on to add outfield players, because he wanted to expand and do total football and support footballers.

    According to the manager of the Academy, Jason Jarra who happens to be his son, they were supposed to organize a justification exercise at the Ajax Park at Legon and the Indafa Park at Mamprobi but was postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Ghana FA cannot extend financial support to clubs without approval from FIFA – Fred Pappoe

    Former Ghana FA Vice President, Fred Pappoe says the $500,000 stimulus package from FIFA to the Ghana FA is solely for operational cost and not to be shared among the clubs.

    The GFA is set to receive $500,000 as a stimulus package from FIFA to its Member Associations due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    Some Ghanaian club administrators are demanding for a share of the money from the GFA as they call on the FA to extend financial support to the clubs due to the pandemic.

    Fred Pappoe explained that the money from FIFA cannot be shared to the clubs because it is meant to carry out a specific purpose which the FA will later account for.

    “The money is for FA operational expenses and there are clear guidelines on what the money can be used for. It makes it difficult if clubs are demanding for a share of the money. The prescription and guidelines which accompanies the money will not allow the GFA to do that”, he told Happy FM.

    “The monies given to the GFA will be accounted for, and there will be auditing as well by FIFA”.

    He suggested that the GFA should send a proposal to FIFA if they are to extend support to the clubs.

    “I am sure the GFA can put up a proposal to FIFA to explain to them about sharing the money with the Ghanaian clubs during these difficult times”.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Every stakeholder must benefit from FIFAs money Kojo Yankah

    Former Western Region FA Chairman, Kojo Yankah has called on the leadership of Ghana Football Association to share the FIFA Convid-19 fund among stakeholders.

    FIFA is set to pay each member association $500,000 to cover administrative and operational costs.

    Spokesperson of the association Henry Asante Twum during the week stated emphatically that, the money from FIFA is for the FA and not clubs.

    This have generated a lot of argument in the country as to whether clubs will benefit from the money or not.

    But the former Executive council member of the FA has called on the domestic football governing body to share the money across board.

    “I will suggest to the Ghana FA to share the money across board. Clubs, GFA itself and other stakeholders must get some because the $500,000 can do a lot of things”

    “The coronavirus has affected everyone so I will urge the football association to assist stakeholders when the money comes” he told Happy FM.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Ghana FA must extend financial support to the various bodies – Kojo Yankah

    Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council member, Kojo Yankah, has urged the FA to extend support to the various stakeholders from the stimulus package to come from FIFA.

    The GFA is set to receive $500,000 from the world governing body as a stimulus package due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    Some clubs have called on the FA to extend some support to them when the FIFA money arrives.

    According to the former Western Regional Football Association chairman, the Ghana FA should extend support to the referees, match commissioners and clubs when they receive the money from FIFA.

    “The clubs must be given some of the money. They should also pay referees and match commissioners who are owed”, he told Happy FM.

    “The Covid-19 has affected everybody and this is money from FIFA. If everybody will get a penny they will appreciate it”, he added.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • FIFA proposes up to five substitutions per match on a temporary basis

    FIFA has proposed that teams should be allowed to make up to five substitutions per match, instead of the usual three, as a temporary measure to help cope with potential fixture congestion in the aftermath of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

    Football has been at a standstill since mid-March but many leagues and federations are still hoping to complete the season but to do so they would have to cram fixtures into a shorter period than usual once play re-starts.

    The proposal for more substitutes would have to be approved by soccer’s rule-making organisation IFAB and the final decision would rest with competition organisers, the sport’s global governing body said in an emailed statement to Reuters.

    ”One concern in this regard is that the higher-than-normal frequency of matches may increase the risk of potential injuries due to a resulting player overload,” FIFA added.

    ”Each team would now be given the possibility to use up to five substitutions during the match, with the possibility of an additional substitution remaining during extra time, where relevant,” it explained.

    FIFA added that the substitutions would have to be made in a maximum of three slots plus the halftime interval.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Coronavirus: John Paintsil urges Ghanaians to stay home

    Former Black Stars defender John Paintsil who represented Ghana at the FIFA World Cup with a good display has added his voice on GTV Sports Plus on the fight against the coronavirus.

    According to the ex-player, the disease is real and has killed many people.

    He urged Ghanaians, especially people who live in the local communities not to have hard ears, but do as ordered by the President of the nation, Nana Akuffo Addo and stay at home.

    Paintsil featured for Berekum Arsenal, Liberty Professionals, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Tel Aviv, West Ham United, Fulham, Leicester City, Santos, Maritzburg United during his illustrious career.

    Paintsil was a member of Ghana Under 21 team who were runner-up in the FIFA World Youth Championship in Argentina in 2001 and played for the senior team in the African Cup of Nations in Mali in 2002 and Egypt in 2006.

    He was also a member of the Ghana 2004 Olympics football team who exited in the first round in Greece, having finished in third place in Group B. Paintsil played in all the matches of Ghana’s national team in the 2006 World Cup finals, where Ghana were beaten by Brazil in the second round.

    He was a member of the Ghanaian 2010 World Cup team that reached the quarter-finals in South Africa before losing to Uruguay. He played in all five games.

    Other ex-football stars who are in the campaign are Laryea Kingson and goalkeeper Sammy Adjei who spoke in Ga language to get down to the people.

    Sammy Adjei said the fact that one has not seen the virus does not make him or her not to believe as the Covid-19 is real and has killed many people all over the world.

    He urged Ghanaians to stay at home in order not to attract the coronavirus.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Young footballers should get good advisors – Clifford Aboagye

    Former FIFA U-20 World Cup Bronze Ball winner Clifford Aboagye has advised young footballers to get ‘good advisors’ to help in their career development.

    The Mexico based midfielder revealed it’s not easy making decisions that affect the future of your career as a young footballer.

    Aboagye, who was expected to to make waves in Europe after a good FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2013, now plays for Mexican side club Querétaro F.C, a decision he does not regret making.

    “To most of the young footballer coming up, decision making is vital,” Aboagye told Tv3. “There are times I look back and it is either positive or negative. Sometimes, I also look back and how I could have made it to the top leagues,” he added.

    “But I also look back and I am grateful,” he continued.

    “Young footballers should get good advisors in their careers because it is not easy especially when you are coming from Ghana.

    “Sometimes they will just give you any contract and if you look at the currency conversion to Ghana cedis, you will jump on it and not seek any proper advice but decision making is vital.”

    A lot has been expected of the diminutive midfielder, but the 25-year old insists playing regularly informed his decision to move to Mexico.

    “I would not say I’m proud of the decision but I think I made a bold step,” says Aboagye. “I think I had enough talent to prove myself to get the attention.

    “Playing regularly is the best thing and I have never regretted the decision I made,” he concluded.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • ‘My stature has been a hindrance’ – Clifford Aboagye

    Former Ghana U-20 star Clifford Aboagye has revealed that his height has been a hindrance to his career, especially in the early days of his football development.

    The former FIFA U-20 Bronze ball-winner disclosed that he was rejected at trials because of his height disadvantage, but adds he never gave up.

    “In the early days of my career at Inter Allies, it was a challenge even with all my skills,” he told Tv3. “My stature has been a hindrance to me but I never thought of giving up because I know the talent I have and what I can do with the ball especially in midfield,” he added.

    He continued:”With this stature, you get people saying you need to build up on your body but I know the qualities I have, not all players have that quality so I have always been firm on my stature.”

    The 25-year old now plays for Mexican club Querétaro F.C. on loan from Club Atlas.

    Aboagye spent four years in Spain, where he played for Granada B before deciding to make a move from Europe to North America.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • I am rather grateful than regretful – Clifford Aboagye

    Ghanaian midfielder Clifford Aboagye has opened up on his career path so far and says he is grateful than regretful.

    The former Inter Allies player has been tipped to be the next big thing for Ghana football having starred in the FIFA U-20 tournament in 2013.

    However, 25-year-old is still yet to realise his full potential since the FIFA tournament.

    Speaking on Instagram with Juliet Bawuah, the midfielder said: Ghanaians are expecting me to be playing in one of the big Leagues in Europe and so far as I have the talent, I believe with hard work I can break through. I am rather grateful and not regretful.

    Aboagye was named the Bronze Ball winner of the 2013 tournament with Manchester United’s Paul Pogba picking up the Golden ball and the former believes that despite his slow career progression all hope is not lost.

    People are thinking I should be at par with my colleagues I played the World Cup without when I back I feel I should be grateful. I feel it is a gradual process and I have a lot of years ahead of of me to continue my career.

    Aboagye featured for Ghana in the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup aiding the West Africa nation to a third place finished.

    He currently plays Mexican top-flight side Queretaro FC.

    Source: Prime News Ghana

  • I am qualified for the GFA Technical Director job- Bashiru Hayford

    Former Asante Kotoko coach Bashiru Hayford says he is more than qualified to head the Ghana Football Association Technical Directorate.

    The former Somalia head coach has applied for the position and has been shortlisted among applicants to be interviewed this week.

    According to him, his vast experience over the years in the game makes him qualified for the job.

    “All the requisite knowledge, skills and competence needed to fill the vacancy of a technical director considering my educational background, my experiences overseas, i totally qualify so I think where Oti Akenteng left, we should continue extensively”, he told Light FM.

    The Ghana FA will be assessing the applicants for the Technical Director job this week.

    According to the Spokesperson for the Ghana FA, FIFA has given Ghana up to April ending to name a new Technical Director.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • I was better than all the three goalkeepers selected for 2014 World Cup – Richard Kingston

    Former goalkeeper of the Black Stars Richard Kingston has said that he was better than all three goalkeepers selected for the 2014 FIFA World Cup which was hosted by Brazil.

    The Black Stars failed to live up to expectation in the 2014 and the retired goalkeeper says he was disappointed when the then coach of the team, James Kwesi Appiah overlooked him.

    Prior to the tournament, Kwesi Appiah named Adam Kwarasay, Fatau Dauda and Stephen Adams as goalkeepers in his final 23-man squad.

    But Richard Kingston in an interview with Angel FM in Kumasi says he was better than all the goalkeeper selected for the tournament.

    “Among the three goalkeepers selected for the 2014 world cup, i deserve more than them because i was the only Ghanaian goalkeeper who was playing active football”

    “Low and behold the coach dropped me without any reason. Before the tournament i helped Balikesirspor to qualify to the premier in Turkey. Sometimes i feel pains” he said.

    Richard Kingston was an integral member of the Black Stars squad that reached the quarter finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa.

    Source: Footballghana.com

  • We had our own issues but it was managed properly – Stephen Appiah

    Stephen Appiah has said that Black Stars during his time as the captain had a good public image because they were able to manage issues in camp in a proper manner.

    According to the first Ghanaian captain to qualify the team to the FIFA World Cup in Germany 2006, there was absolute love and bond among players when he was the leader.

    Issues of indiscipline by Black Stars players have constantly been reported in the media during major tournaments with issues of winning bonuses and player indiscipline always the dominant subjects.

    In an interview with GTV Sports Plus, he said: “See, during my time with the Black Stars, we had big players in the team. “We had our own issues but it was managed properly and it did not affect us in any way. I think that is what is missing now.”

    “There were absolute love and bond among the players and that is why some of us will be remembered forever,” he added.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Ex-FIFA referee Charles Dowuona tips Alex Kotey for GFA Referees Manager position

    Former FIFA referee, Charles Dowuona has tipped retired referee Alex Kotey for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Referees Manager position.

    The GFA opened up for people to apply for the Referees Managers position.

    Happy Sports understands that referee Alex Kotey, Richard Thomas Attifu and CM Astatsa have applied for the position.

    Speaking in an interview on Happy Sports on the best candidate to be appointed Referees Manager for the GFA, Charles Dowuona said, “I know all the capabilities of the three people who have applied for the job. The best person for the job is Alex Kotey”.

    He added: “The Referees Managers position is very important in every Football Association. When I saw the advertisement I was very happy that finally the FA would have a referees manager”.

    “The person must be a team player and leader. He must not be biased, intelligent and must be able to take good decisions for the referees. He must pass the through the mill and also be a good teacher”.

    “I know all the capabilities of the three people who have applied for the job. The best person for the job is Alex Kotey”, he added.

    Source: happyghana.com

  • Kotoko will meet FIFA deadline – Nana Kwame Dankwah

    Management member of Kumasi Asante Kotoko Nana Kwame Dankwah, has assured fans that the club will pay the $240,000 fine imposed by FIFA before the deadline thereby they should be calm.

    The Ghana Premier League giants have until May 17, 2020, to make payment of the above mentioned figure or will suffer both a local and international transfer ban.

    The FIFA Disciplinary Committee took this decision against Asante Kotoko last month for the illegal transfer of striker Emmanuel Clottey in 2015.

    The player was then on the books of Tunisian club Esperance Sportive de Tunis.

    According to Nana Kwame Dankwah who serves as the Deputy Greater Accra Rep of the club, there is cause for alarm and assures supporters that the deadline will be met.

    “Our supporters should remain calm. There is no cause for alarm. In fact, the Chairman is just organising himself to pay the money,” he told Joy FM.

    Source: footballmadeinghana.com

  • Ghanaian trio Pimpong, Amartey & Adu named in top African XI legends of Danish Superliga

    Ghanaian trio Razak Pimpong, Daniel Amartey and Enoch Kofi Adu have been named among the best African stars to have played in the Danish SuperLiga.

    Pimpong, who starred for the Ghana U17 team that won Bronze at the 1999 FIFA World Cup in New Zealand, could not hide delight over the feat.

    He left Ghana Premier League club Great Olympics to join Danish giants FC Midtjylland in 2000.

    The versatile attacker, now 37, went on to play more than 100 times for Midtjylland, scoring 25 league goals for the club.

    In July 2005, he agreed on a move to league rivals FC Copenhagen from January 2006 where he initially struggled.

    Pimpong, however, became a cult figure at the club after netting the deciding goal of the Royal League final against Norwegian side Lillestrøm SK.

    22-01-2006: Trainingsmatch – Razak Pimpong, FCK. (Photo by Lars Ronbog/FrontzoneSport via Getty Images)
    His exploits in the Danish elite championship has earned him a place among the best African to featured in the league.
    Former Moroccan goalkeeper Karim Zaza, who made his mark with FC Copenhagen, was chosen as the man between the sticks.

    Zaza is guarded by Daniel Amartey (Ghana), Uche Okechukwu (Nigeria) and Bubacarr Sanneh Gambia), who featured for FC Copenhagen, Brøndby IF and AC Horsens respectively.

    Andrew Tembo (Zambia & Odense BK), Eric Djemba Djemba (Cameroon & FC Copenhagen), Enoch Kofi Adu (Ghana & FC Copenhagen), and Razak Pimpong (Ghana & FC Copenhagen) complete the midfield selection.

    Former Egypt star Mohamed Zidan who became a household name during his two-year stay with FC Midtjylland is named in attack alongside former Senegal hitman Dame N’Doye (FC Copenhagen) and ex-South African hero Sibusiso Zuma (FC Copenhagen).

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • FIFA gives Asante Kotoko a new deadline to pay Esperance $240,000

    Ghana Premier League side Asante Kotoko has been given up to May 17 by the world governing football body, FIFA to pay $240,000 to Tunisian giants Esperance or face stricter sanctions.

    Asante Kotoko were fined by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee for the illegal transfer of Emmanuel Clottey in 2015 who was then on the books of the Tunisian club.

    In a statement released by FIFA, the debtor (Asante Kotoko) has been given a deadline of 30 days to settle the Creditor (Esperance).

    “If payment is not made to the Creditor (Esperance) and proof of such payment is not provided to the secretariat to the FIFA Discplinary Committee and to the Ghana Football Association by this deadline:

    “A ban from registering new players, either nationally or internationally, will be imposed on Debtor II (Asante Kotoko). Once deadline has expired, the transfer ban will be implemented automatically at national and international level by the Ghana Football Association and FIFA respectively, without a further or formal decision having to be taken nor any order to be issued by the FIFA Discplinary Committee or its Secretariat. The transfer ban shall cover all men eleven-a-side teams of the Debtor-first team and youth categories.

    The Porcupine Warriors have just 18 days to settle the long standing debt or they will be playing in Ghana’s second tier league and will still be required to pay the debt.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • GFA to implement transfer ban if Kotoko fails to pay FIFA fine

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has been mandated by FIFA to impose a national transfer ban on Asante Kotoko if they fail to pay the fine imposed to them by the world football governing body.

    The Porcupine Warriors have been slapped with a $240,000 fine by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee for the illegal registration of Emmanuel Clottey, who was then a player of the Tunisian club in 2015.

    FIFA in a statement has warned the Ghanaian club to make payment before the deadline or risk being demoted and banned from all football transfer activities.

    The statement read, “As a member of FIFA, the Ghana Football Association is reminded of its duty to implement this decision and provide FIFA with proof that the transfer ban has been implemented at national level.

    FIFA added that,”If the Ghana Football Association does not comply with this decision, the FIFA Discplinary Committee will decide on appropriate sanctions on the member. This can lead to explusion from FIFA competitions”.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • FIFA slaps $1,000 fine on striker Emmanuel Clottey over Kotoko move

    Football’s world governing body, FIFA has slapped Ghanaian forward Emmanuel Clottey with a fine of $1000 following his move to Asante Kotoko in 2015.

    The striker joined the Porcupine Warriors when he had a running contract with Tunisian giants Esperance.

    FIFA fined the player and Asante Kotoko for failing to comply with a decision passed by the Dispute Resolution Chamber on June 11, 2015.

    This had led to the fine of the player which has to be paid within the next 30 days.

    “The player Emmanuel Clottey (Hereinafter, Debtor I) and the club Asante Kotoko SC (Hereinafter Debtor II) are found guilty of failing to comply with the decision passed by the dispute resolution chamber on June 11, 2015,” a FIFA decision stated.

    According to the decision, Emmanuel Clottey was ordered to pay 5% of $180,000 per anum to Esperance which he failed.

    FIFA charged both the player and Kotoko with several fines, but Clottey is expected to pay a fine of $1000 withing the next 30 days.

    “Debtor I is ordered to pay a fine to the amount of CHF 1000. The fine is paid within the next 30 days,” added FIFA.

    Emmanuel Clottey joined the Tunisian giants from Berekum Chelsea in 2012 and spent three seasons at the club.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Asante Kotoko await FIFA ruling on Kwame Bonsu-Esperance case after today’s sitting

    Asante Kotoko are waiting for the outcome of their petition to FIFA over the transfer of Kwame Bonsu to Esperance.

    The Player Status Committee sat on the case today (Wednesday) in Switzerland.

    Accra-based Offside Consult, headed by Ashford Tettey Oku, wrote to the world governing body demanding the player’s transfer of U$ 150,000 and other reliefs.

    A FIFA letter said the meeting will be chaired by the Single Judge of the Player Status Committee who will take a ‘formal decision upon the basis of the documents already on file.’

    Oku said if the ruling goes in favour of Kotoko, Esperance would also be given 30 days to settle their indebtedness to the Ghana Premier League giants side or face relegation.

    Kotoko are sweating over a US$ 240,000 FIFA fine which they must pay to Esperance in respect of the illegal registration of Emmanuel Clottey in 2015 by 10 May, 2020 or face demotion.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • We will pay the US$ 240,000 FIFA fine before deadline – Asante Kotoko

    Asante Kotoko have assured fans they will pay the US$ 240,000 FIFA fine before the 10 May, 2020 deadline to avoid being relegated from the Ghana top-flight.

    The Porcupine Warriors were initially fined US$ 180,000 for illegally registering striker Emmanuel Clottey who was in the books of Esperance.

    But the Ghanaian giants deferred in payment and the amount accrued an interest of US$ 45,000 and an extra US$ 15,000 to the committee which ruled on the matter.

    According to a report by Kessben sports, the club’s Executive Chairman Dr Kwame Kyei has agreed to make full payment to Esperance.

    In return, Kotoko will demand full payment of Kwame Bonsu’s US$ 150,000 transfer fee.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Ghana’s second transfer window to close on April 13

    The Ghana Football Association has announced that the second transfer window of the 2019/20 football season will be closed on Monday, April 13, 2020.

    A host of clubs in the Premier League as well as Division One League have been busy in the transfer window which was opened on March 16.

    Clubs are boosting their squads ahead of second round of the league season which has been suspended due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic in the country.

    The statement from the GFA reads: “The Ghana Football Association wishes to announce that the second Transfer Window of the 2019/20 season that opened on the midnight of Monday, March 16, 2020 would be allowed to run till midnight Monday, April 13, 2020.”

    “However, the Executive Council has decided that following the guidelines advisory from FIFA when normalcy is restored the GFA will apply to FIFA to open the window for a period to allow clubs to strengthen their squads.

    “The Premier and Division One League, the Women’s Premier Leagues are currently on hold due to the Corona Virus pandemic.

    “It would also be recalled that the commencement of the lower leagues of the Regional Football Associations was also halted because of the pandemic.”

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Ghana FA to switch transfer window as FIFA considers extension over coronavirus

    Ghana FA is facing the prospect of changing the timing of its transfer window for domestic football as FIFA is harbouring the thought of extending some transfer periods because of the coronavirus pandemic.

    The world governing body has proposed the idea that the upcoming European summer transfer window could be extended to the end of the year.

    According to a report from today’s paper edition of the Milano based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, the idea could become a reality.

    This will also have an impact on the Ghanaian transfer window as it could also be moved by FIFA because of the suspension of league matches in the country.

    The report details how the World Leagues Forum has asked for more flexibility, with the European Club Association asking for a permanent transfer window.

    Each country would be able to choose their own rules, with FIFA continuing to play the role as the supervisor.

    The idea is still only an idea for the time being, the report continues and will need to be further discussed before any concrete theory is created.

    There would also have to be changes to other aspects of the transfer market, such as loan deals with buy options or obligations to buy attached.

    Inter have multiple players on loan, such as Mauro Icardi, who could benefit from the extended window.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • FIFA agent accuses Yussif Chibsah of cheating in Kwame Bonsu deal

    Beninoir FIFA intermediary, Mr. Idowu Ismail Oluwabiyi has accused former Kotoko player and football agent Yussif Chibsa of cheating in the Kwame Bonsu deal to Esperance.

    Oluwabiyi, who is the CEO of Soccer Stars Sport Limited, reveals that Chibsa got nothing in the deal because he lacked honesty and sincerity in his work.

    Bonsu was transferred from Asante Kotoko to the Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis in 2019 for a region of $150,000.

    But the CAF champions League champions have refused to settle the transfer fee to Asante Kotoko citing a debt owed them by the Ghanaian club.

    Idowu, claims he and his Tunisian partner Salim started the deal with Esperance but Chipsah jumped in later in an attempt to outsmart them.

    “Because he never told me nor Salim [my partner in Tunisia],” he said.

    “I was surprised when I heard from the video he had an agreement with Kotoko of 20 percent of the deal, which he never told me nor explained anything to Salim.

    “I was surprised at his behavior,” he said.

    “I don’t know about their relationship [Chibsah and Kotoko] but in life, you have to be sincere with anything you are doing.

    “Now he is playing smart, did he get anything from the deal?” He quizzed.

    He believes the deal could have been more beneficial if Chibsa had been honest.

    “Honesty and sincerity are what matters the most in life [ transaction]. Don’t outsmart anybody in any deal,” he said.

    “Yussif got nothing in deal because he tried to outsmart us but everything failed.

    “Yes, he tried to outsmart both my partner and me.”

    “Yes, he should have been in constant communication with us because we were the ones who started the deal.”

    Source: Ghanaguardian.com

  • Black Maidens thump Liberia 8-0 in FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers

    Ampem Darkoa Ladies striker Ophelia Serwaa Amponsah scored four first-half goals as the Black Maidens saw off Liberia in the 2nd leg of the FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers.

    The striker was in impressive form as she aided the West African nation to record a thumping 8-0 win against their Liberian counterparts at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    Entering into the game with a 2-0 advantage after winning the first leg at Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia on Sunday, the Black Maidens show no sign of complacency as they dominated and convincingly beat their opponents at the Accra Sports Stadium to progress to the next stage on 10-0 aggregate.

    Four goals from Ophelia Serwaa Amponsah plus a goal each from Salamatu Abdulai, Elizabeth Oppong, Alice Sarpong and Tracy Twum ensured coach Baba Nuhu charges have moved to the final stage of the FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers where they are to meet Nigeria or Guinea.

    Black Maidens starting line up

    Ziblim Farahana (GK), Atinga Sandra, Achiaa Anasthesia, Opoku Abena Anomah, Fuseini Zuleiha, Acheampong El Shaddai (C), Oppong Elizabeth, Tracey Twum, Atuah Thelma Baffour, Amponsah Ophelia, Abdulai Salamatu

    Subs Basira Alhassan, Ahmadu Amina, Nyame Mafia, Agyemang S. Constance, Sarpong Alice, Yakubu Ayisha, Seidu Faiza

    Source: Primenewsghana.com

  • South America asks FIFA to delay World Cup qualifiers because of virus

    South America’s football federations asked FIFA on Wednesday to delay their qualifying matches for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar because of the global new coronavirus pandemic.

    “The South American teams risk not being able to count on players they have picked and who play in Europe because they, arriving from countries with a high level of contagion, could be placed in quarantine,” said a letter from CONMEBOL, South American football’s governing body, to FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura.

    Qualifying matches are due to begin on March 26.

    The letter said it expressed the position of its 10 members: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

    The letter said they “have asked CONMEBOL to place for consideration by FIFA the request to postpone the start of the World Cup qualifiers.”

    Many of the South American players selected for their national sides play in Europe, where the deadly new coronavirus is rapidly spreading.

    Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni has picked six players based in Italy, where the virus has killed at least 827 people in just over two weeks.

    The new coronavirus has already disrupted numerous major sporting events worldwide, including Italy’s Serie A football whose matches are suspended.

    Source: AFP

  • PSG president charged over Fifa rights awards

    Paris St-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has been charged by Swiss prosecutors following an investigation into the awarding of media rights for Fifa tournaments.

    Al-Khelaifi is accused of inciting criminal mismanagement in connection with allegations Jerome Valcke “exploited his position” as Fifa general secretary.

    Valcke is charged with accepting bribes, criminal mismanagement and falsification of documents.

    It is alleged he accepted “undue advantages” in exchange for TV rights.

    Switzerland’s attorney general announced on Thursday that charges had been brought against Valcke, Al-Khelaifi and a third businessman over rights for various World Cup and Confederations Cup tournaments between 2018 and 2030.

    Valcke is accused of accepting rent-free accommodation in an Italian villa bought by Al-Khelaifi, who is chairman of the BeIN media group.

    The charges relate to Valcke’s time as Fifa general secretary between 2013 and 2015 when he is accused of influencing the award of media rights for Italy and Greece.

    A further bribery complaint against Al-Khelaifi has been dropped after Fifa reached an “amicable agreement” with the Qatari businessman at the end of January, the statement added.

    Those allegations were in connection with the award of media rights for the World Cup tournaments in 2026 and 2030.

    Al-Khelaifi, 45, joined Uefa’s executive committee in February after being elected by the European Club Association (ECA) to be one of its two Uefa delegates in January

    Source: bbc.com

  • Black Maidens coach axes eight from camp ahead of 2020 FIFA U17 WWCup qualfiers

    The Black Maidens technical team has trimmed down the squad size in camp after releasing eight players for being over-aged and lacking quality.

    According to a publication by NB Sports, they decision was taken ahead of Thursday’s friendly against an Accra Select side at the McDan La Town Park in Accra.

    Two goalkeepers Safiatu Salifu and Elizabeth Ayitey (Immigrations Ladies) have been sent home.

    Three defenders-Sarah Ohene Nyamekye (FC Savanah Ladies), Abigail Amoah (FC Savanah Ladies) and Esther Anane- failed to make the cut.

    The rest are Eunice Pentey (Valued Girls) , Sophia Agyaakwa (Halifax Ladies), and Mary Awuah Boateng (Soccer Intellectuals).

    Black Maidens are preparing for the 2020 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier.

    Black Maidens squad:

    Portia Asantewaa (Hasaacas Ladies), Rose Tawiah (Combined Forces), Lydia Atimka (Upper East), Farihana Zibrim (Bagabaga Ladies), Salma Jaibrai Sai (Samaria Ladies) Sarah Atinga (Kumasi S. Academy) Ruth Amoah (Ideal Ladies)

    Linda Sarfowaa Mintah (Prisons Ladies), Elizabeth Oppong (Samaria Ladies), Anastasia Achiaa (Sea Lions FC), Asana Yahaya (Bagabaga Ladies), Fuseini Zulaiha (Pearl Pia Ladies), Louisa Aniwaa (Police Ladies), Felicia Adjei (Ashtown Ladies), Seidu Faiza (Northern Ladies), Ayisha Yakubu (Yoo Ladies)

    Sylvia Nelson (Immigrations Ladies), Abena Anoma Opoku (Ampem Darkoa Ladies), Alhassan Basira (Pearl Pia Ladies), Doreen Obeng Peprah (Prisons Ladies), El-Shaddai Acheampong ( Kumasi S. academy), Dejean Kubura (Zicom Stars Academy), Miriam Dzeho (Soccer Intellectuals), Constance Agyemang (Halifax Ladies), Emmanuella Yirenkyi (Ashtown Ladies)

    Grace Ntsiful (Hasaacas Ladies), Grace Animah (Police Ladies), Elizabeth Sarpong (Fabulous Ladies), Abigail Appiah (Afia Kobi Ladies), Ophelia Serwaa Amposah (Ampem Darkoa Ladies), Alice Sarpong (Sea Lions FC) Juanita Aguadze (Police Ladies)

    Maafia Nyame (Rock Ladies), Gifty Agyemang Bea (Root Sistaz Ladies), Salamatu Abdulai (Bagabaga Ladies).

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Current referees performing better – Alex Kotey

    A Ghanaian retired FIFA referee has praised current Ghanaian referees for improving their performance in recent times.

    Mr. Alex Neequaye Kotey, gave this appraisal after week 8 of the Ghana premier league.

    He said, “their performance is better now than previously”.

    Mr. Alex Kotey revealed this in an interview with Paul Napoleon Agyeman on Top Sports yesterday February 6, saying “it is so far so good based on their recent performance in the Ghana premier league”.

    Alex Neequaye Kotey who was adjudged the best referee for the year 2006 by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) appealed for support from the public to aid the referees bring out their best performance during match officiating.

    He was also selected among the referees who officiated Africa Cup of Nation 2008 in Ghana where he officiated the group stage match between Senegal and South Africa. He also officiated three (3) matches in 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

    Source: topfmonline.com

  • I would like to play for Besiktas for ‘three years’ – Kevin Prince Boateng

    Kevin Prince Boateng has reiterated that he will like to stay at Besiktas for the next three years.

    The Ghana international joined the Eagles on loan during the winter transfer from Fiorentina.

    The 32-year-old made his debut for the club on Saturday and scored after climbing from the bench.

    “After seeing this atmosphere, I would like to stay for 3 years, but I would like to ask my wife, Melissa,” he told reporters. “Hoca’s coming back to Be?ikta? and being here raised the club.

    “My friends in Germany / Berlin sent me messages after this transfer saying, “You finally found your home.” said.

    Source: Footballghana.com

  • CAF Vice President Fouzi Lekjaa urges African football to embrace positive reforms

    The President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, has called on African football leaders to embrace the reforms being undertaken by FIFA to speed up development of the game on the continent.

    Lekjaa gave his advice to African football leaders who met at the iconic Mohammed VI Football Complex at Maamora in Sale to take part in the seminar on the development of football infrastructure on the continent.

    Lekjaa, spoke first to welcome the guests at the amazing complex for football which was recently commissioned before going to the heart of the matter, saying that Africa has the potential to move forward.

    “It is imperative to react and act without wasting even more time and without slacking, with the necessary determination and the goodwill of each other,” Lekjaa said as he opened the seminar of all the 54 African football federations.

    “You have to take advantage of the knowledge you have to move forward. But despite all the potential we have, we are often criticized for fragility, not to say underdevelopment and blocking of development,” he declared.

    Aware of the difficult situation, Fouzi Lekjaa was nevertheless optimistic for the future of Africa football thanks to the talents and the ability to embrace the changes.

    “Today, the context is more favorable than ever before, especially since we have an exemplary relationship with FIFA, with a young president who admires Africa. The expectations are enormous, so we have to show the world that we are capable of meeting challenges,” he said.

    The president of the African Football Confederation (CAF), Ahmad Ahmad, for his part once again displayed the ambitions of the continental body in terms of infrastructure. “It is now essential for CAF that all African federations finally have stadiums to match its players and supporters,” said the Malagasy.

    For him, there is no longer any question of going back. “We need to speed up the process to reach the global level. We can no longer go back and will have to participate in world competitions, ”he adds.

    To do this, Ahmad Ahmad encourages African federations to manage their own infrastructures within the framework of public-private partnership.

     

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Fifa President Infantino proposes Africa Cup of Nations be held every four years

    Fifa President, Gianni Infantino, has proposed to the Confederation of African Football (Caf) that the Africa Cup of Nations be held every four years instead of biennially.

    Infantino is among the speakers at a Caf seminar in Morocco which is focusing on the development of football competitions and infrastructure in Africa.

    “I propose to organise the Africa Cup of Nations every four years rather than two years,” the Fifa President told delegates in Rabat.

    The next Africa Cup of Nations will be held in Cameroon in 2021 and will revert back to its original placing of January and February in the calendar.

    Last year, the Nations Cup in Egypt was held in June and July for the first time and was expanded to 24 teams.

    Infantino spoke about the Africa Cup of Nations in relation to specific areas which he identified as needing “intervention” to help boost African football.

    “We have to develop African solutions to African problems. We have identified three areas for intervention namely refereeing, infrastructure and competitions.

    “I think it’s time to stop talking about the development of African football, and take actions. No African team has won the World Cup. And there is an impression Africa is going backwards,” Infantino added.

    The seminar was scheduled to end on Saturday evening ahead of Caf’s Executive Committee meeting on Sunday.

     

    Source: bbc.com

  • GFA President confers with FIFA President in Switzerland

    GFA President Kurt E. S. Okraku has held a fruitful meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the headquarters of FIFA in Switzerland.

    The fruitful meeting, held at the instance of the FIFA President, touched on wide range of issues on Ghana football including administration, refereeing, coaching, finance and logistics.

    Read:Kurt Okraku meets Oguaaman Hene ahead of Black Stars game in Cape Coast

    In his congratulatory message to Mr. Okraku following his election as GFA President in October, the FIFA President extended an invitation to the newly-elected GFA President to visit the Home of Football in Switzerland for a discussion on the development of Ghana football.

    Read:CAF President Ahmad assures GFA president of total support

    Thursday’s meeting was a response to the invitation and it has set the tone for strengthening of relationship between the GFA and FIFA.

    Source: ghanafa.org