Nora Häuptle’s departure as head coach of the Black Queens has sent shockwaves among Ghanaian football fans, sparking widespread anger and condemnation of the GFA.

Häuptle had transformed the fortunes of the Black Queens, securing their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualification in five years.

However, at the start of 2025, Häuptle committed her future to the Zambia Women’s National Team, signing a three-year deal with the Copper Queens and officially ending her tenure as the manager of the Black Queens.

Reports suggested that the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) inability to arrange friendly matches contributed to her departure. However, the Communications Director of the GFA, Henry Asante Twum, revealed the real reasons behind Häuptle's exit.

According to Twum, contrary to rumors, Häuptle’s departure resulted from the inability of the GFA to reach a contract extension agreement with her.

Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, Twum disclosed that Häuptle declined a 50% salary increment on her previous contract.

"The GFA met Nora Häuptle to discuss a possible extension of her contract. With the offer we presented, she was demanding a 100% increment, but we offered her 50% since it was the FA that had been paying her since her appointment. We tried our best to extend her contract, but she was unwilling to accept what we presented. As a professional coach, she had the right to walk away since her contract had ended," he said.

During her tenure, Häuptle oversaw 14 matches for the Black Queens, achieving 10 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses—a 71% win rate. The team scored 37 goals while conceding only 10 under her leadership.

FKA/EK