Former Black Stars Management Committee member Ernest Thompson has expressed concerns over calls to dissolve the Ghana Football Association (GFA) following the national team's poor start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Ghana lost their opening two Group C matches, prompting some to demand major changes within the country's football administration. Thompson believes dissolving the GFA could create further problems due to FIFA rules on government interference in football.
Several prominent figures, including former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye and Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George, have backed calls for the GFA to be dissolved. However, Thompson advocates for a more collaborative approach, suggesting that key stakeholders should come together to address the issues. He emphasized the need for the GFA to acknowledge its problems and be willing to accept help.
Thompson criticized the process used to select the Black Stars squad for the opening qualifiers, claiming that the Management Committee did not meet to consider the squad before its announcement. He also questioned how several players were able to withdraw after being called up, asking who approved the squad and whether the necessary medical checks had been conducted.
The Black Stars suffered a 2-0 loss to Ivory Coast and a 4-2 home defeat to The Gambia, leaving them bottom of Group C without a point. Carlos Queiroz subsequently departed as head coach, and a five-member committee was tasked with finding his replacement. Ghana will return to qualifying action in November with back-to-back matches against Somalia.
Thompson urged Sports Minister Kofi Adams to bring key stakeholders together to address the issues plaguing Ghanaian football. He emphasized that the GFA must be willing to accept help and work collaboratively to solve its problems. Thompson also expressed concerns about Ghana entering another period of football normalization.
According to Thompson, dissolving the GFA could lead to FIFA intervention, which could have severe consequences for Ghanaian football. He stressed that a more constructive approach would be to work with the GFA to address its problems. Thompson's comments highlight the need for a more nuanced discussion around the future of Ghanaian football.
As Ghana prepares for their upcoming matches against Somalia, the team's performance will be closely watched. The outcome of these matches could have significant implications for the team's chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The football community will be watching to see how the team responds to the challenges ahead.
Key points
- Ernest Thompson warns against dissolving the Ghana Football Association due to FIFA rules on government interference in football.
- Thompson criticizes the process used to select the Black Stars squad for the opening qualifiers.
- Ghana will return to qualifying action in November with back-to-back matches against Somalia.
