Government’s move to investigate the Black Stars’ poor showing at the World Cup last June has hit a snag after FIFA ruled, the GFA is under no obligations to account to Ghana government.
FIFA’s position was informed by a letter from the Ghana Football Association stating it does not receive funding from government.
President Mahama through Constitutional Instrument 82 announced the setting up of a Presidential Commission with the powers of the high court to probe all activities surrounding Ghana’s participation at the World Cup including the management of the senior national team.
The government has maintained only a direct intervention from FIFA would stop it from going ahead with its investigations.
This is despite fears that the terms of reference of the commission could attract FIFA sanctions for political interference into the FA’s activities.
According to FIFA regulations, “Article 13, par. 1 and article 17, par. 1 of the FIFA Statutes oblige member associations to manage their affairs independently and with no influence from third parties,”
In view of the latest development, a FIFA-backed FA will not have to appear at the Presidential Commission of Enquiry.
FIFA also expressed concern about the terms of reference of the Presidential Commission of enquiry and warned that it will not hesitate to impose sanctions on Ghana.
The terms of reference include;
a) To enquire into matters relating to Ghana’s Black Stars team’s preparation for the tournament and possible lapses therein which might have caused their early exit from the tournament.
b) To enquire into matters relating to the management of the Ghana Black Stars team and events in their camp during the tournament.
But speaking to JOY NEWS, Sports Minister Mahama Ayariga says the FA must make public the contents of its letter to FIFA.
“For us to able to digest FIFA’s response which clearly is based partly on their reply we should also have access to what the GFA has communicated to FIFA.. it is only fair the the Ghanaian public and the government”
Calming FIFA’s fears, Mahama Ayariga said government is prepared to review the terms of reference of the Presidential commission of enquiry.
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