Soccer News of Friday, 8 July 2016

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

Sports Minister's utterances are cause of friction between GFA and MOYS - Nyantakyi

GFA Chief Kwesi Nyantakyi GFA Chief Kwesi Nyantakyi

GFA boss, Kwesi Nyantakyi says the utterances of the sports minister in the media about the Ghana Football Association is the cause of the sour relationship between the two outfits.

The GFA president insists the ministry rather has problems with the federation given the way the minister has chosen to address issues in the press instead of directing it at the football body.

The ministry are at loggerheads with the federation as the minister Nii Lante Vanderpuye has subjected the GFA to over 30 attacks in the media since he took over some few months ago.

While the GFA has been measured with respectful silence in its response to some of the criticism and attacks by Vanderpuye, his recent public claims against the federation has not been taken kindly.

Media reports that the ministry was unaware of the Local Black Stars friendly against Japan has been strongly rebuffed as 'lies' with Vanderpuye reported to have taken the decision for Avram Grant join the team in Tokyo for the game.

Vanderpuye's claims over Jeep Cherokee gifts for the Black Stars that it was inappropriately distributed was roundly and publicly condemned by Sabah Quaye - the team's manager who was said to have been cheated by management.

Another attack on the Black Stars slamming the players as not 'gracious enough' has also exacerbated the friction.

With the national team players gravely unhappy over what has been described as 'unfair comment calculated to bring disaffection for the team' with the World Cup qualifiers in the offing.

Nyantakyi argues that the utterances of the Sports Minister Nii Lante Vanderpuye demonstrate that his outfit has a problem with the GFA.

“We can all say we don’t have a problem with the Sports Minister," the Ghana FA president told Kessben FM.

“But if issues that can be handled between the two bodies are addressed in public, then clearly he has shown that he has a problem with u.s

“If he thinks there are matters that must be addressed, he can invite us for discussion instead of going to the media to address those issues."

The Sports Minister upon assuming office has consistently questioned the modus operandi of the Ghana FA as well as compelling the FA Executives to purchase tickets to watch national team matches.

Many assume the Sports Minister came into office with a predetermined agenda against the GFA but the football association is yet to officially respond to any of his chants.

Vanderpuye has been accused of being part of a cabal set up in 2009 to oust the Nyantakyi administration from office through illegal means.

Even though he has denied such claims he was instrumental in removing the BT Baba as the chairman of the Ghana Olympic Committee through illegal means including elections which was held at midnight with most delegates absent.