King Faisal owner and bankroller Alhaji Karim Grusah has urged Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku and the Black Stars Management Committee to resign following the team's dismal start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Grusah expressed his disappointment with the team's performance, describing the situation as a "shame" after the Black Stars suffered back-to-back defeats in their opening two Group C matches.
Ghana's poor start to the qualifiers has put pressure on coach Carlos Queiroz and his players. The Black Stars lost 2-0 to Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké before surrendering a two-goal lead to suffer a 4-2 defeat by The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium. These results have left Ghana without a point from their opening two Group C matches, increasing concerns about their chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON.
Alhaji Grusah also called for government intervention if the GFA leadership and the Black Stars' management team refuse to step down voluntarily. He described the current leadership as a "disgrace" and urged the government to take action, stating that FIFA cannot sanction the team. Grusah's comments have added to the growing pressure on the GFA and the Black Stars management team.
The Black Stars will have an opportunity to revive their campaign in October when they face Somalia in a double-header at the Accra Sports Stadium. Ghana is attempting to return to the continental tournament after failing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, ending a run of more than two decades of consecutive appearances at the competition.
Alhaji Grusah made these comments in an interview with Asempa FM's Sports Nite, criticizing the team's performance and the leadership of the GFA and the Black Stars Management Committee. His call for resignation has sparked a renewed debate about the state of football in Ghana and the need for change.
The GFA and the Black Stars management team have yet to respond to Alhaji Grusah's comments. However, the team's poor performance has raised concerns among fans and stakeholders, who are eager to see improvements in the team's fortunes. The pressure is mounting on coach Carlos Queiroz and his players to deliver a positive result in October.
The 2027 AFCON qualifiers continue in October, with Ghana facing Somalia in a crucial double-header. The team's performance will be closely watched, and a positive result could help to ease the pressure on the GFA and the Black Stars management team. However, another poor performance could lead to further calls for change.
Key points
- Alhaji Grusah urges GFA president Kurt Okraku and Black Stars Management Committee to resign.
- Ghana suffers back-to-back defeats in 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
- The Black Stars face Somalia in October in a crucial double-header.
