The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has strongly denied allegations that it demands money from players in exchange for selection into the Black Stars, describing the claims as “false, malicious and completely fabricated.”
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, the Association declared: “We categorically and unequivocally deny these claims in their entirety. These reports are completely fabricated and intended to tarnish the image of the GFA and Ghanaian football.” It dismissed reports circulating on social media and some online platforms alleging that players are required to surrender part of their earnings after receiving national team call-ups.
The latest controversy stems from claims allegedly made by a purported relative of Prince Owusu, who suggested the player had been asked to cede a percentage of his potential earnings from a Black Stars call-up to the FIFA World Cup to the GFA.
The Association categorically rejected the allegation, insisting it has never demanded, solicited or collected money from any player for national team selection or for any other purpose.
Seeking to set the record straight, the GFA stressed that the selection of players into Ghana’s national teams rests solely with the respective head coaches and not with the Association’s leadership or any individual member.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the GFA leadership does not invite players into any of our national teams. This responsibility lies exclusively with the Head Coach of the team,” the statement said.
The Association further explained that all payments due players—including appearance fees, match bonuses and win bonuses—are handled directly by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, with funds transferred into players’ personal bank accounts. It stressed that the GFA does not process or intermediate such payments.
The football governing body also pointed to its Code of Ethics and FIFA’s ethics regulations, noting that extortion, bribery and any form of financial impropriety are strictly prohibited and carry severe sanctions, including bans and possible criminal prosecution.
Amid growing public debate following the Black Stars’ recent exit from the FIFA World Cup, the GFA accused some individuals of exploiting the disappointment to spread misinformation and damage the Association’s reputation.
In one of the strongest parts of its statement, the GFA challenged those behind the allegations to publicly identify the officials allegedly involved and provide evidence to support their claims.
“We challenge you to boldly come out and state clearly who exactly you dealt with at the GFA, how much was allegedly paid or demanded, when it was paid, and for what purpose. It is only fair that you make your claims with evidence instead of hiding behind anonymous posts,” the Association said.
The GFA maintained that it operates with “the highest standards of integrity” and reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on corruption and extortion.
It urged journalists, football fans and the general public to disregard what it described as baseless allegations and rely only on official communications from the GFA or the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
The Association disclosed that its legal team is reviewing the allegations and warned that legal action would be taken against individuals and platforms found responsible for publishing or circulating the claims.
“The GFA and our legal team are currently reviewing all these false allegations and will take legal action against individuals and platforms responsible,” the statement added.
The GFA said it would make no further public comments on the matter until it deemed it necessary to do so.
