The exclusion of Andre Dede Ayew from the Black Stars squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic has triggered an emergency meeting of the Ayew family. Uncles and parents of the Black Stars skipper are set to meet to discuss the future of their son.

This was disclosed by Solar Ayew, a retired Ghanaian footballer and elder brother of the legendary Abedi Pele, to Angel FM.

According to the Angel FM report, Solar Ayew revealed that the family is not shocked by the development and will convene a meeting, after which they will issue a statement on the matter.

Andre Ayew was undoubtedly the most notable absentee from the 26-man list released by coach Otto Addo on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, for the doubleheader in June 2024.

In the immediate aftermath of the squad announcement, Fiifi Tackie, the spokesperson for the Ayew family, issued a statement affirming Andre Dede Ayew's commitment to the Black Stars.

In a social media post on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, Fiifi Tackie stated that since his debut in 2007, Andre Ayew has remained loyal and steadfast to the country and will not renege on that commitment.

"Andre Ayew's dedication to Ghana is unwavering and lifelong, a commitment that began in his childhood and remains unshakable to this day. Through thick and thin, he stands proudly as a son of the nation, his passion and loyalty to Ghana burning bright for all to see. Today, tomorrow, and forever, Andre Ayew's heart beats for Ghana," he said.

Revealing the background work leading up to the squad announcement, Otto Addo explained that he had conversations with Andre Ayew and that the Black Stars skipper was not entirely convinced by his decision to exclude him from the squad.

According to Otto Addo, the Black Stars skipper did not agree with the decision to be dropped from the squad, but despite Ayew's opposition, he still holds him in high regard.

"I had a long talk with André and gave him the reasons why he is not in the squad. I talk to players directly and don't like to disclose information about our discussions. This is the decision we took, and it's not like he necessarily agreed, but I still have great respect for him," he said.

Since making his Ghana debut in 2007, Andre Dede Ayew has played 120 times for the Black Stars, scoring 24 goals.



EK