Selection to Black Stars must be on merit

Dear Editor,

I wish to express concern over the allegations that some officials of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) demanded money from players before they are selected for national teams.

If these allegations are true, then, they threaten fairness and integrity in Ghana football.

Just as is done in other countries, selection into any national team should be based solely on merit -talent, discipline, hard work and performance, not on a player’s ability to pay money.

Such practices, if allowed to continue, will discourage many talented but less privileged players from pursuing their dreams. It will also damage the reputation of the GFA and reduce public confidence in the country’s football administration.

Those reports are quite unfortunate but some of us want to believe in the response issued by the FA but would also advise the GFA to conduct some investigation, because like it is often said, there is no smoke without fire.

If it means an individual is going about making such demands on the blind side of the FA, such an investigation can expose the person.

I therefore urge the GFA to investigate these allegations thoroughly and transparently. Any official found guilty should face the appropriate sanctions. At the same time, individuals making the allegations should provide credible evidence so the truth can be established.

Ghanaian football belongs to all of us, and we must protect its integrity by ensuring that merit, transparency and accountability guide player selection.

From John Boateng,

Mamprobi