Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram Sam George has accused the Ghana Football Association (GFA) of manipulation of national team coaches particularly the Black Stars following the appointment of Chris Hughton on Sunday.
The former Brighton and Hove Albion manager was selected among many candidates to fill the void left by former coach Otto Addo who left the job after Ghana’s unsuccessful campaign at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The politician who is also a football enthusiast believes Chris Houghton’s appointment by the GFA could be based on his relationship and how easy the 63-year-old could kowtow to the influence and direction of the FA.
“Why Chris Hughton? Is he the best hand available? Or is it because, he will be malleable and acceptable to the interest of people at the FA,” he asked rhetorically when TV3 sought for his opinion on the appointment.
Hon. Sam George further emphasized that issues of the Black Stars’ recent failure should be attributed to dishonest ways of player selection which also boils down to the conduct of the GFA but not necessarily the coaches.
“And the point I’m making here is that, the problem of Black Stars is one of favouritism, and one where we are not selecting our best players but[rather] it’s become an issue of people having to pay money to even get selection.
“Or you have relationships and godfathers in the FA who will decide that this is the coach’s selection and tactics.
“If you think you know the job, resign from your position at the GFA and apply to be coach of the Black Stars and then do your selection.
“But you sit in an administrative capacity and you want a coach to run his selection by you. Who does that in today’s day and age?” he added.
Christ Hughton who was recently the Technical Advisor of the Black Stars is expected to name his first set of players ahead of Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations AFCON) qualifiers against Angola in March 2022.
