Veteran football administrator, Jonathan Abbey Pobi has lauded the government for taking steps to dissolve the Ghana Football Association following public screening of controversial investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ documentary titled Number 12.
The documentary exposed the rot in Ghana sports, especially the Ghana FA where top officials and referees were caught taking money – including some collecting as little as GH¢200 ($42) – to influence match results in the domestic league as well as push players into national teams.
In a statement signed by the Information Minister, Mustapha Amid, the government expressed shock and outrage at the contents of the documentary.
There have been divergent opinions from several leading members in Ghana football in the wake of government’s decision to disband the nation’s football governing body – as some believe the move will incur the wrath of world’s football governing body, FIFA.
However, during an interview Ohene Bampoe–Brenya on Happy FM‘s Anopa Bosuo Sports, Mr Pobi who is a known critic of the Ghana FA believes steps taken by the government should be commended as it will help cleanse the football system.
“What fairness are people talking about? Nobody at the GFA is innocent. This is karma. God is paying them back for their own sins,” the outspoken bankroller of Neoplan Stars stated on Happy FM.
“The government has taken the best decision to dissolve the GFA .This is not the first time such a thing is happening in the world
“This is not the end of football. Ghana football will rise again and prosper.”
“In moving forward, I think we should take a look at some of rules and regulations. We should expand the electorate college and using first degree as a form of qualification for the presidency must be changed to someone who is not a thief.”
The dissolution is likely to attract a FIFA ban as its rules oblige member associations to manage their own affairs “independently and with no influence from third parties.”
FIFA banned Nigeria in 2014 after its High Court disbanded the Football Association after a poor showing at the World Cup in Brazil.
A ban would mean no Ghanaian team, including club sides, can play in regional, continental or international competitions.
By: Ayishatu Zakaria Ali
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