Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, former Minister of Youth and Sports has said, he regrets sending supporters to Brazil to support the Black Stars at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Though he admitted the presence of supporters at the competition was strategic and a morale booster for the players, the minister said he had serious regrets over his decision especially when the government was not ready to support it financially.

“Once government said there was no money to send supporters to Brazil, I think it should have ended there.

“The stress involved in raising money to embark on such a venture was unbearable coupled with the allegations that came with it.

“I had good intentions but I don’t think I will ever embark on such a venture. Never again!”.

When asked by the chairman of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry investigating the participation of the Black Stars in the World Cup, whether it was appropriate to sponsor supporters to competitions, Afriyie-Ankrah said “though it is strategic, the practice should end”.

“I think supporters should join susu clubs and other financial institutions in order to raise money to support their activities.

“They must begin to operate as corporate entities and develop measures to support their activities.

“The ministry will only provide support for them to embark on their trips but the ‘wahala’ of taking fans to competitions must stop”.

The minister is expected to appear before the committee again on Monday for further examination.