Ghana replies FIFA over international football ban threat

15th Aug 2018 | Source: graphic.com.gh

The Government of Ghana has told the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) that while it acknowledges its mandate to administer football activities globally, the government also has a responsibility to ensure that businesses operate legally in the country.

The admonition is contained in a response to FIFA following its demand on Ghana to withdraw its liquidation process against the Ghana Football Association (GFA) or face expulsion from international football.

FIFA gave Ghana up to the noon of August 27, 2018 to comply with the demand or face the axe, after the government dissolved the GFA following the undercover expose of corruption within football administration in Ghana by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

The response to FIFA signed by Sports Minister Isaac Asiamah, reminded FIFA that ‘the laws of Ghana prohibit the existence of a company which operates for illegal purposes’, saying the GFA is registered as a company limited by guarantee under the laws of Ghana and will have to operate within its laws.

“Ghana recognises the mandate of FIFA to administer football globally. GoG is not interested in interfering with the administration of football in Ghana, save to enforce its domestic laws and to ensure that the game is devoid of corruption and other forms of illegality.”

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The government’s 12-paragraph letter to FIFA also requested further engagements with FIFA with a view to charting the way forward.

“It is our understanding from your letter under reference that "...the Bureau considers that the petition introduced by the Attorney General to the High Court of Justice to start the liquidation process of the GFA constitutes an undue influence in the affairs of the GFA in contravention of art. 14 par. 1 (i) and art 19 par. 1 of FIFA Statutes." It is our further understanding that FIFA remains committed to purging football administration in Ghana of corruption and related criminal conduct, which objective is in accord with that of the GoG.

“From the foregoing and given the totality of the circumstances, the GoG is desirous of further engagements with FIFA. We believe that GoG and FIFA should meet at our earliest mutually acceptable route to achieving our common goal”, concludes the Minister’s letter.