Ghana Escapes FIFA Ban …Gets Warning

International Football Federation (FIFA) has warned the Ghana government that future interference in the administration of the game in the country could lead to sanctions.

The governing body is disappointed that Ghana football, which is seen by many as a good example for other countries, is reeling under government pressure.

FIFA made these conclusions after investigating claims of intrusion. Under FIFA rules, national football associations must not be subject to government control.

But the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has recently come under intense pressure from government over various issues.

The government withdrew its order to impose Abedi Pele as a candidate for a vacant CAF post after the GFA rejected the request two weeks ago.

Even though FIFA is pleased that sanity has been restored, the governing body warns that future attempts could have serious consequences.

“We appreciate the fact that the government has now realized that it was not competent to nominate candidates for elective functions within the football organisation structure,” FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke wrote in letter seen by Tidesports source.

“However we would like to draw the attention of the government to the fact that the GFA must manage its affairs independently with no influence from third parties at stated in FIFA statutes.

“Violations of such provisions might lead to sanctions as stated in FIFA Statues Article 17.13.”

Even though government has taken full control over the money its spends on the national teams, attempts have been made by the Serious Fraud Office to probe payments the GFA receives from FIFA, other international bodies and sponsors.

FIFA insists that the government must stay away from auditing the GFA’s accounts in respect to money received from sources other than government.