Sports analyst Karl Tuffour, a notable critique on football administration in the country has described as “ridiculous and madness at the highest level” to cart supporters to world cup tournaments.
In effect, he disagrees with the idea of spending several thousands of dollars of the Ghanaian tax payer’s money for the adventure, which eventually yields no positive results on the supporters’ part.
Some 500 Ghanaian supporters from the various supporting unions were sponsored by government to cheer the Black Stars in their third successive world cup appearance in Brazil 2014.
Ghana exited the World Cup after a disappointing performance against Portugal in the final group game Thursday. The team lost 2 – 1 in their first group game to the USA and drew 2 – 2 with Germany in the second match.
Commenting on the Stars’ abysmal performance at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in the South American country, Mr. Tuffour unequivocally stated on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show Friday, “if anybody thought we were going to win we must have been living in a sorry – ‘F’ paradise,” to wit, in a “fool’s paradise” because there was actually no way we were going to win. Anybody who thought we should have done better than what we did four years ago, then that would have been much more realistic.”
According to him, the Black Stars’ underperformance, which led to their sudden exit from the tournament, was not the fault of the players but rather disunity within the playing fraternity.
He said some level of discord between management and players spoiled the team’s hope of advancing to the other stages.
He said the players gave their all. “If that header from Majeed Warris had not gone on the other side of the goal post, the whole complexion of the game would have changed.”
He said the rancor which allegedly ensued at the Stars’ camp in Brazil was the inclusion of Kevin Prince Boateng in the team.
Boateng, sometime ago decided to pull out of the team when he was needed most to support the country in an African nations qualifier. After several talks, he was brought onboard.
The Sports analyst became emotional when he recalled Boateng’s utterance on coming back to join his folks on the continent to play.
He cited also that another factor which led to total loss of focus by the team was the payment of the initial $75,000 appearance fees. The players rejected the offer and later agreed to receive a $100,000.
He noted the litany of problems currently in the administrative set up of the Black Stars would continue if the playing body (players) shows no confidence in agreements they sign regarding money.
“As a country, we need to start setting certain parameters. The business of having only foreign based players at the expense of local players should be looked at again. I’m not saying there should be a quota system; I’m only saying they should be given a fair chance,” he emphasized.
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