Experienced football administrator, Fitzgerald Barkers Woode, has called for the immediate interdiction of all persons implicated in the alleged visa scandal involving Ghana’s arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
The controversy emerged after the US Embassy reportedly flagged multiple visa applicants linked to the National Sports Authority (NSA) over alleged discrepancies in their identities and employment details. The development led to the suspension of the NSA Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.
To establish the facts and ensure accountability, Barkers Woode has called for the establishment of a committee to investigate the matter, identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to book to deter similar incidents in the future.
He told Graphic Sports in an interview yesterday that the government must consider dissolving the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and introducing a new statute to facilitate reforms in the administration of football, even if the decision attracts sanctions from FIFA.
“The government must write to FIFA to explain to them that we want to dissolve the current FA for reforms in the football sector, and this is the only way we can save our football because what is happening now is pathetic,” he stated.
Commonly called Nana Fitz, he questioned what he described as the lack of accountability in the management of football finances, arguing that the state’s financial support for the national team should give the government and taxpayers a legitimate interest in how the funds are managed.
“Is FIFA aware that the taxpayer pays the FA and the Black Stars, but they don’t want accountability? This is not fair. I call this taxation without representation,” he said.
On the search for a new Black Stars coach following the departure of Carlos Queiroz, the former administrator advised the football authorities against rushing into an appointment.
He said the GFA should take its time to identify a suitable candidate with a sound understanding of Ghanaian football, its local conditions and playing philosophy, arguing that such familiarity would be crucial to achieving positive results.
Turning his attention to the domestic league, Barkers Woode criticised football administrators for what he described as a decline in the standard of the competition.
He attributed the situation partly to what he considered a conflict of interest within the GFA’s leadership, alleging that the involvement of association executives in club ownership or club-related activities undermined the effective administration and development of the league.
He maintained that addressing governance concerns and strengthening accountability were necessary steps towards restoring confidence in Ghana football and improving the standard of the domestic game.
