Ace sports journalist, Owusu Bempah, has blamed people around embattled former Ghana Former Association (GFA) president, Kwesi Nyantakyi for his recent problems.
The former FIFA Council member was found guilty after being filmed by ace investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas in a hotel room allegedly taking a $65,000 bribe from a supposed businessman.
The adjudicatory chamber of FIFA after four months of investigations found Mr Nyantakyi guilty of having violated Article 19 of (Conflict of Interest) Art 21 Bribery and Corruption, and Article 22 Commission of the FIFA Code of Ethics 2012 edition.
On Tuesday, the former 1st CAF Vice capo was banned from all football relating activities for life and fined 500,000 Swizz Franc which is equivalent to $498,000.
Reacting to the issue on Happy FM’s Anopa Bosuo sports, Owusu Bempah posited that many people around the troubled former FA boss only used him for their personal benefits and did not advise him.
“Apart from Nyantakyi’s faults, he was also a victim. Many people took advantage of him and were only interested in their personal gains,” Bempah said.
He further added his voice to those who opined that the punishment meted out to Nyantakyi was harsh.
“I believe he received such punishment because he involved the President of Ghana and the Vice President. But I still think it was harsh,” he noted.
Mr. Nyantakyi in a statement released yesterday expressed shock at the decision of FIFA and indicated he will be appealing the decision at sport’s highest football court, the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).
By: Ibrahim Zibrilla
