The Ghana Football Association has strongly rejected allegations that it demanded money from Black Stars forward Prince Owusu in exchange for a place in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The allegations emerged on social media shortly after Ghana’s World Cup campaign came to an end and quickly attracted attention among football supporters. According to the claims, which were attributed to a person described as a relative of the striker, Owusu was allegedly asked to hand over part of the money he would receive from his World Cup participation in order to secure his place in the national team.
The accusations spread rapidly across several online platforms, prompting widespread debate among football fans and raising questions about the integrity of the national team selection process.
The Association says the accusations are part of an attempt to damage its reputation and undermine confidence in Ghanaian football.
GFA Rejects the Allegations
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the Ghana Football Association responded directly to the claims circulating online.
The Association made it clear that it completely rejects the allegations and insists that no player has ever been required to make any payment in exchange for national team selection.
According to the GFA, the accusations are entirely fabricated and should not be treated as credible information. The football governing body also expressed disappointment that such claims had been widely shared without any supporting evidence. In its statement, the Association described the allegations as both false and malicious.
“The GFA does not demand, solicit, or collect any money from players for selection into national teams or for any other purpose,” the statement read.
The Association said its commitment to transparency and professionalism remains unchanged and stressed that player selection is based on football considerations rather than financial influence.
GFA Challenges Accusers to Provide Evidence
In addition to denying the allegations, the Ghana Football Association challenged those making the accusations to publicly present evidence supporting their claims.
The Association believes that serious allegations should be backed by verifiable facts rather than anonymous statements or social media speculation.
Responding directly to the accusations, the GFA called on those responsible to identify the individuals they were referring to and explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.
“To those spreading these allegations, we challenge you to boldly come out and state clearly who exactly you dealt with at the GFA, how much was allegedly paid or demanded, when it was paid, and for what purpose,” the Association said.
The GFA stated that without such evidence, the allegations should be regarded as unfounded and misleading.
It also emphasized that making serious accusations without proof can cause unnecessary damage to individuals and institutions.
Legal Action Being Considered
Beyond issuing a public denial, the Ghana Football Association confirmed that its legal department has begun reviewing the allegations.
According to the statement, the Association believes the claims are defamatory and may require legal action.
The GFA warned that individuals and media platforms responsible for publishing or spreading what it considers false information could face legal consequences.
The Association said it remains committed to protecting its reputation through the appropriate legal channels. It believes that taking legal action where necessary will help discourage the spread of false allegations in the future.
The GFA also stressed that freedom of expression should always be accompanied by responsibility and respect for factual accuracy.
Social Media Claims Spark Debate
The allegations first gained attention after posts appeared on social media claiming that Prince Owusu had been asked to surrender a percentage of his expected World Cup earnings.
According to the posts, the alleged request came from officials connected to the Ghana Football Association. Because the claims involved the national team and one of Ghana’s World Cup players, they quickly generated discussion among supporters.
Many fans questioned the accuracy of the allegations, while others called for evidence before reaching any conclusions.
As the discussion continued to spread online, the Ghana Football Association decided to issue a detailed public response in an effort to clarify the situation.
The Association believes that addressing the claims directly was necessary to protect both its reputation and public confidence in the administration of Ghana football.
Selection Decisions Belong to the Coaches
One of the key points highlighted in the GFA’s statement was the process used to select players for Ghana’s national teams.
The Association explained that player selection is entirely the responsibility of each team’s head coach. According to the GFA, neither the leadership of the Association nor individual officials have the authority to determine which players receive national team call ups.
This clarification was included to address suggestions that administrative officials influence squad selection.
The Association emphasized that coaches are trusted to make football decisions based on performance, tactical needs, and their professional judgment.
By separating administrative responsibilities from technical decisions, the GFA says it maintains fairness throughout the selection process.
Financial Payments Are Handled Separately
The Ghana Football Association also explained how financial matters involving the Black Stars are managed. According to the Association, appearance fees, match bonuses, and other financial entitlements are not distributed by GFA officials.
Instead, those payments are handled directly by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation. The Association stated that the money is transferred directly into the personal bank accounts of players.
This system, the GFA explained, is designed to promote accountability and transparency while reducing opportunities for financial misconduct.
By outlining the payment process, the Association sought to reassure supporters that financial transactions involving national team players follow established procedures.
The clarification was also intended to counter suggestions that officials could demand or intercept players’ earnings.
Commitment to Ethical Standards
The Ghana Football Association also reminded the public that both international and domestic football regulations contain strict rules governing ethical conduct.
According to the Association, FIFA’s Code of Ethics and the GFA’s own governance regulations prohibit acts such as extortion, bribery, corruption, and other forms of financial misconduct.
The Association stressed that these rules are taken seriously and are enforced to protect the integrity of football administration.
It noted that anyone found guilty of violating such regulations could face severe disciplinary sanctions. Those penalties may include lengthy suspensions, lifetime bans from football activities, and possible criminal prosecution depending on the nature of the offence.
By highlighting these regulations, the GFA sought to demonstrate that unethical behaviour is not tolerated within its structures.
Protecting the Integrity of Ghana Football
The Ghana Football Association believes maintaining public confidence in Ghana football is essential for the continued growth of the sport.
Allegations involving corruption or improper conduct can affect not only administrators but also players, coaches, supporters, and the overall image of the national team.
For that reason, the Association says it takes such claims very seriously and responds firmly whenever accusations are made without evidence.
The GFA maintains that protecting the credibility of the Black Stars and Ghanaian football remains one of its highest priorities.
It also hopes supporters will rely on verified information rather than unconfirmed reports shared on social media. The Association believes transparency and accountability remain important pillars of its work.
Focus Returns to the Black Stars
While the controversy has generated significant discussion, attention will soon return to football matters as the Black Stars prepare for their next international assignments.
Ghana recently concluded its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign after reaching the Round of 32 before suffering a narrow defeat to Colombia.
The national team is now expected to begin preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with football authorities also expected to make important decisions regarding the future direction of the Black Stars.
As those preparations continue, the Ghana Football Association insists it remains focused on supporting the national teams while maintaining professional standards across every level of Ghanaian football.
GFA Stands Firm
The Ghana Football Association has left little doubt about its position regarding the allegations involving Prince Owusu’s World Cup selection.
The governing body insists that no money has ever been demanded from players in exchange for representing Ghana and has described the accusations as false, malicious, and completely fabricated.
By explaining how player selection works, clarifying the payment process, challenging the accusers to provide evidence, and confirming that legal action is being considered, the Association hopes to put the matter to rest.
For now, the GFA says its attention remains on protecting the integrity of Ghanaian football while preparing the Black Stars for the next chapter after their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
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