Sports News of Thursday, 20 June 2024

Source: footballghana.com

Ghana football is in tatters - Former GHALCA boss JY Appiah

Former GHALCA chairman, JY Appiah Former GHALCA chairman, JY Appiah

Former Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) chairman, J.Y. Appiah, has depicted the grim state of Ghana's football scene, describing it as "in tatters."

In an interview with Peace FM, monitored by Footballghana.com, Appiah pointed out several issues undermining the sport's integrity in the country.

He referred to a contentious incident involving Real Tamale United's use of unregistered players in a league match, suggesting it was an overt breach of the rules that remain unaddressed.

Appiah also voiced concerns over alleged match-fixing on the final day of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season. He expressed dismay at the predictability of certain outcomes, such as the awarding of penalties, which has become an alarming pattern in Ghanaian football.

"The football is in tatters. When the man, Kurt Okraku, came in, he said he couldn't work with his enemies. Anyone who speaks up when things go wrong is met with insults," he stated.

"When we started in football, some of them weren't even born. I don't want my grandson to insult me, so those who would speak up when they see something wrong have all folded their arms and watched. In Ghana, where we play football, commentators can predict when a penalty will be awarded, and indeed, a penalty will be given."

"RTU used unregistered players to play football, and nobody is talking. When you ask those in charge, they say if you speak out, you're out, and your team will face relegation. Ghana football is in tatters," he lamented.