Sports News of Tuesday, 7 April 2020

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

I stopped playing league because of corrupt referees - Nii Odartey Lamptey

Nii Odartey Lamptey Nii Odartey Lamptey

Legend Nii Odartey Lamptey has revealed he withdrew his Glow-Lamp Academy from playing in Ghana Football Association-organized leagues because of corrupt referees.

The former Anderlecht and Aston Villa player alleges that some unscrupulous match officials were taking bribes to influence- an act which was highlighted in the No.12 documentary on football corruption in the country.

"When I started this academy, I was playing in the league and reached the middle league but I had to stop for four years and concentrate on the project because I realized a referee could demoralise me and force me to abandon the academy. I would shatter the dreams of a lot of kids,'' the Sekondi Eleven Wise assistant coach said.

"So I decided to focus on the project and complete the facility. With that even if you [referees] cheat me and I quit, there will be something to fall on. I spoke to Tony Yeboah years back and that's the reason why he left

"Referees are all about money. If we are able to pay them well, all these bribery will be minimized."