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Former heads urge GFA to resist government interference
The four — Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, Lepowura M.N.D Jawula, Nana Sam Brew-Butler and Kwesi Nyantakyi, who shared their experiences on how various governments attempted to interfere in the administration of Ghana football, believed that despite government’s financial support for national teams, they had no locus to decide how the game should be run.
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Speaking on a GTV Sports+ programme dubbed ‘Saving Our Passion’ last Thursday night, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe urged FA officials to be bold in resisting the imposition of decisions by the government through the state's support for the various national teams.
According to him, even though government invests in the national teams, it was wrong to decide who must constitute the technical team of the senior national team.
He was appalled by the clash between the government and the GFA over the appointment of the new Black Stars coach, stressing that he would have resigned if he were to be the FA president.
“Government will keep on supporting football but when they want to dictate to you, the FA must call their bluff',” he emphasised.
He slammed the GFA for kowtowing to the whims and caprices of the government by appointing Chris Hughton as the new technical advisor of the team, adding that Coach Otto Addo was not obliged to take advice from him.
''This technical advisor can advise Otto Addo and he can either accept or refuse it. I foresee this arrangement ending in disaster.
''The way I see this thing going, very soon, there will be a disaster, mark my words,” he predicted.
Mr Nyantakyi also recalled the government interference he suffered in 2011 when EOCO invaded the offices of the GFA to seize computers, only for the association to seek justice in court, leading to $50,000 damages against the government.
The former CAF Vice President said even though it was understandable for government to have a say once it puts money into the national team, it was wrong to interfere in the operations of the FA.
He advised that as much as FIFA frowned on governmental interference, the government did not have to resort to Rambo-style tactics when they had issues with football officials.