GFA denies knowledge of Carlos Queiroz's resignation despite emotional farewell message
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GFA denies knowledge of Carlos Queiroz's resignation despite emotional farewell message

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) says it has received no formal resignation from Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz, despite the veteran Portuguese appearing to bid an emotional farewell to the national team in a social media post that sparked widespread speculation over his future.

Queiroz's message, published on his official Facebook page on Sunday, was widely interpreted as confirmation that his four-month spell in charge had come to an end following Ghana's FIFA World Cup exit at the Round of 32.

However, senior GFA officials insist they have not been officially informed that the 73-year-old has stepped down.

GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum told Graphic Online he was unaware of any resignation, although he confirmed that Queiroz had circulated the same message to members of the FA and his technical staff before posting it publicly.

Other senior FA officials also said they had received no formal communication regarding the coach's departure. While Queiroz's short-term contract was tied to Ghana's World Cup campaign, the Executive Council is yet to meet to deliberate on his report or determine whether discussions over a possible extension will be opened.

In his farewell message, Queiroz reflected proudly on his brief tenure while acknowledging that he had hoped to take Ghana even further.

"I leave this journey with pride in what we achieved, but also with the healthy dissatisfaction of those who always wanted more. Reaching a higher level should never be the destination—it should be the beginning of even greater ambitions."


He also expressed gratitude to the GFA leadership for entrusting him with the national team.

"To my president and board, thank you so much for the opportunity to serve the Ghana national football team. It was an honour and privilege to serve the country and the Black Stars."
Queiroz was appointed in April on a short-term contract after the GFA dismissed Otto Addo following successive defeats to Austria and Germany during the March international window.

Despite having only a few months to prepare the side, the vastly experienced coach guided Ghana to the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2010. His team defeated Panama 1-0, held England to a goalless draw and lost 2-1 to Croatia in the group stage before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32.

He reserved special praise for his players, technical staff and the Ghanaian public.

“To my players and staff, my deepest gratitude for your courage, commitment and unwavering dedication to the team. To the fans, we cannot claim complete sporting satisfaction, but we can proudly say that we honoured the colours of Ghana and restored respect and credibility to the Black Stars on football's greatest stage.

"Thank you, Ghana. The journey starts now. To the future."

While the message carried the tone of a farewell, sources within the GFA believe it should not necessarily be interpreted as a formal resignation.

One senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to discuss the matter publicly, suggested the experienced coach may simply be positioning himself ahead of the expiry of his contract while leaving the door open for future opportunities.

"He's an experienced coach, and he knows exactly what he's doing," the official said. "He's signalling to both the GFA and potential employers that he'll be available once his contract runs its course."

For now, Queiroz remains under contract, with the GFA still expected to receive his technical report before the Executive Council decides whether his World Cup mission marks the end of his time in charge or the beginning of a longer rebuilding project.


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