I’m not interested in GFA top job — Odotei

A member of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of Accra Hearts of Oak, Vincent Sowah Odotei, has ruled himself out of the race for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidency, despite growing calls for a change in the administration of football in the country.

The calls have followed a string of disappointing performances by the national teams and concerns about the state of the domestic league, with sections of the football fraternity advocating a new direction for the game.

However, the experienced football administrator says he has no immediate interest in contesting for the FA’s top position, although he has not completely ruled out the possibility of reconsidering his decision in the future.

Speaking on JoySports Link last Saturday, the former Deputy Minister of Communications and Member of Parliament for La Dadekotopon expressed concern about the state and future of Ghana football.

“In terms of contesting for the FA President, definitely no. But as Margaret Thatcher said, a day in politics is another time,” he said.

Odotei previously contested the GFA presidency against former president Kwesi Nyantakyi. With the tenure of incumbent president Kurt Simeon-Okraku expected to end in October next year, there has been speculation about potential candidates for the next election.

However, the 58-year-old insisted that he was not considering a return to the race at this stage, particularly as he settles into his role at Hearts of Oak.

“As we sit here today, I would say not really. Having now taken charge at Accra Hearts of Oak, I am deeply worried and concerned about the state of the game,” he said.

Despite ruling himself out of the contest, Odotei said he remained committed to contributing to efforts to improve football administration in the country.

He indicated that he would rather offer advice and share his views from behind the scenes, using his connections with people currently in charge of the game to influence positive change.

“Knowing who I am, with some of the issues, maybe I’ll communicate them differently compared to when my brother was in charge. But there’s certainly a way that I’ll make my views known so that our friends who are in charge take note, so that we can improve the game,” he added.