The Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Abdul-Malik Kwaku Baako, has said if he were the former president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), he would not pay the SFr500,000 (GHS2.4 million) fine slapped on him by world football governing body Fifa, in addition to the life ban placed on him in connection with all football-related activities.

The Adjudicatory Chamber found Mr. Nyantakyi guilty of having violated Article 19 (Conflict of interest), Article 21 (Bribery and Corruption) and Article 22 (Commission) of the Fifa Code of Ethics, 2012 edition.

His ban follows the Number 12 exposé by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, which unearthed rot in Ghana football.

However, contributing to a discussion on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo programme on Wednesday, 31 October, Mr Baako said: “It appears to me the ban is too harsh. Sepp Blatter – how many years was he banned? And one other person I know it wasn’t for life. And you ban Nyantakyi for life? After that, you say he should pay 500,000 Swiss Francs?” he questioned.

“If I were to be him, I will not pay. Will there be sanctions if he doesn’t pay? You have banned the person for life… If you were to ban me for ten years, in default banning for life, I mean it makes sense. But you have banned me for life, relative to sports administration, management etc. After that you want me to pay 500,000 Swiss Francs…. You have banned me for life; that is the maximum”, he said.