Soccer News of Wednesday, 29 August 2012

Source: Daniel Oduro

Ghana Amputee footbal team facing international ban

The Ghana Amputee Football Federation (GAFF) is likely to face a six-year ban from the World Amputee Governing body if they fail to turn up for the Amputee world cup tournament this year.

This was revealed by the President of GAFF, Mr. Francis Adjetey Sowah, during a press conference held in Accra to make known their preparations and subsequent participation in the tournament.

According to Mr. Adjetey Sowah, the federation presented their letter and budget for the tournament last year and was assured by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of their participation.

However, when they followed up at the ministry, they were referred to the National Sports Authority (NSA) who also told them there was no money to cater for their budget.

Mr Sowah then pleaded with government and other stakeholders to come to their aid in order to avoid the sanction.

He also explained that the federation has successfully recruited talented amputee players to beef up the current team through a nationwide justifier held earlier this year as part of preparations for the tournament.

Meanwhile, Star Assurance Company has presented a travel insurance worth US$680,000 and a cheque for GH¢10, 000 towards the federation’s preparations for the tournament.

Right to Play Ghana also presented 40 branded RTP shirts, 30 branded bibs, five footballs and one box of cones worth GH¢2, 000 to boost the team’s participation.

It would be recalled that Ghana and Liberia gained automatic qualification to participate in tournament after coming second and first respectively in the Africa Amputee football tournament held in Accra last year.

This year’s world cup is scheduled for Moscow, Russia from October 6 – October 15 this year.