Ghana, FIFA meet over ban threat

Ghana and FIFA met at the headquarters of the world football governing body here to settle matters concerning the current situation of football in Ghana.

Isaac Kwame Asiamah, Ghana's Minister of Youth and Sports, led the Ghanaian delegation to hold another talks seeking to restore football after two months of suspension, reports Xinhua news agency.

After the discussions on Thursday, the two sides resolved that FIFA, in consultation with the Ghanaian government and CAF, shall establish a normalization committee to replace the executive committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and appoint persons with integrity and competence to constitute its membership.

The Presidents of Ghana and FIFA have committed to work together to offer leadership in reforming football administration in Ghana and in Africa, according to the statement issued after the meeting.

Both sides also resolved to work closely to eradicate corruption and malfeasance and other associated criminal conduct from football administration in Ghana and create a joint task force to create proper disciplinary governance and auditing as well as ensure that persons who are found culpable are punished in accordance with domestic laws and FIFA statutes.

"Satisfied with the above measures, the government of Ghana shall take steps to discontinue the process for the winding up of the Ghana Football Association," the statement said.

FIFA extended an invitation to the Ghanaian delegation following a telephone conversation between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The government initiated processes to dissolve the GFA after investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas uncovered widespread rot in football management in Ghana.

Over 70 referees were caught on tape allegedly taking bribes to fix matches.

FIFA has threatened to ban Ghana following attempts by the government to liquidate the football association.

--IANS

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