Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwesi Nyantakyi has explained why Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko cannot be granted automatic slots on the GFA Executive Committee.
The two clubs recently proposed securing an automatic place on the Executive Council following the tragic death of Kotoko supporter Francis Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley.
His death, which occurred at the Nana Kronmansah Stadium in Nsoatre during Kotoko’s clash with Nsoatreman, led to the suspension of the Ghana Premier League.
Speaking on Kessben Midfield Action, Nyantakyi clarified that no football association, including FIFA, has a written rule mandating automatic Executive Council slots for specific clubs.
“During my time, it was an unwritten rule. It was a respect we give them to at least get on the EXCO. It will create a controversial issue when they try to formalized because even FIFA talks about fair representative and competitive elections.”
“The EXCO is by election, so if someone gets an automatic spot, what happens to the others? It does not happen anywhere in the world,” he argued. By suggesting that clubs should earn their positions through elections rather than by automatic appointment.”
Nyantakyi was a former First Vice-Chairman of CAF and FIFA Executive Council member.
Amadu Hamidu
