Former Ghana Football Association Communications Director Ibrahim Sannie Daara believes Ghana is unlikely to retain Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars despite there being no official confirmation that the Portuguese manager has left his position.
His comments come as discussions continue over the future of the experienced coach following Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Queiroz guided the Black Stars to the Round of 32 after taking charge only a short time before the tournament, but uncertainty has surrounded his future since the competition came to an end.
According to Sannie Daara, the biggest challenge may not be whether Ghana wants to keep Queiroz but whether the country can afford to continue paying the veteran coach and the technical team that works alongside him.
His remarks have added another voice to the growing debate surrounding the future of the Black Stars and the direction the Ghana Football Association should take ahead of upcoming international competitions.
Queiroz Took Charge Before the World Cup
Carlos Queiroz was appointed as Ghana’s head coach shortly before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Portuguese manager replaced Otto Addo after a difficult period for the Black Stars, with the Ghana Football Association hoping that Queiroz’s vast international experience would help improve the team’s performances.
Although he had only a limited amount of time to prepare the squad, Queiroz quickly introduced his tactical ideas and attempted to build a more organised and disciplined team.
Under his leadership, Ghana successfully progressed beyond the group stage and reached the Round of 32.
While the tournament eventually ended in disappointment, many observers acknowledged that the Black Stars had shown signs of improvement during the competition.
Queiroz’s Farewell Message Sparks Speculation
Following the World Cup, Carlos Queiroz released a public message thanking everyone who had supported him during his time with the Black Stars. The statement immediately attracted attention because many supporters interpreted it as a farewell message.
Addressing the leadership of the Ghana Football Association, Queiroz expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to lead the national team.
“To my president and board, thank you so much for the opportunity to serve the Ghana national football team,” said Queiroz in a statement. His message continued with words of gratitude directed toward the players, staff and supporters.
He added, “It was an honour and privilege to serve the country and the Black Stars. 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.”
Because of the wording used in the statement, many people believed the coach was announcing his departure from the national team.
Financial Concerns Remain
Beyond the wording of the statement, Sannie Daara also raised concerns about the financial realities involved in retaining Carlos Queiroz.
He questioned whether Ghana could realistically continue paying both the experienced coach and his technical staff over a longer period.
Speaking to Citi Sports, he explained his position.
“I think he’s gone. His statement is clear. He’s saying goodbye. I think it’s clear. He was poached for the World Cup. Will we be able to pay him? His salary is 150,000 dollars and over. Will we be able to afford him? And he’s bringing a large backroom staff. Will we be able to pay him. I don’t think so,” he said.
His comments suggest that financial considerations could become one of the biggest factors influencing the Ghana Football Association’s final decision.
Clarifications Follow the Statement
Although Queiroz’s message led to widespread speculation, there have since been clarifications that he has not officially stepped down from his position.
As things stand, there has been no formal confirmation from the Ghana Football Association that the Portuguese coach has left his role. This has created uncertainty regarding the next steps for both the coach and the national team.
Supporters continue waiting for an official announcement that will provide clarity about whether Queiroz will remain in charge or whether Ghana will appoint a new head coach. Until such confirmation is made, questions surrounding his future are likely to continue.
Sannie Daara Believes the Message Was a Goodbye
Despite the clarifications that have followed, Ibrahim Sannie Daara believes Queiroz’s statement clearly indicates that the coach has completed his time with the Black Stars.
Speaking to Citi Sports, the former GFA Communications Director said he interpreted the message as a farewell rather than simply an expression of gratitude. According to him, the wording used by Queiroz leaves little room for another interpretation.
Sannie Daara believes the coach’s public statement reflected someone bringing an important chapter of his career to a close.
His opinion has become one of many different views currently being expressed regarding the future of the national team.
Cost of Maintaining an Experienced Coach
International coaches with Carlos Queiroz’s experience often work alongside specialist technical teams. These staff members may include assistant coaches, analysts, fitness experts, goalkeeping coaches and other professionals who support the preparation of the national team. Maintaining such a structure requires considerable financial resources.
Sannie Daara believes these costs may make it difficult for Ghana to continue with the current arrangement over the long term.
His concerns reflect broader discussions about balancing financial responsibility with the ambition of building a competitive national team capable of challenging the world’s best.
Ghana’s World Cup Journey
The Black Stars entered the World Cup determined to make a strong impression on football’s biggest stage. Throughout the tournament, the team displayed resilience against several difficult opponents and worked hard to compete with some of the world’s strongest national sides.
Their efforts earned them a place in the Round of 32, where they faced Colombia. Despite a determined performance, Ghana suffered a narrow defeat that brought its World Cup campaign to an end.
Although elimination was disappointing, the tournament provided valuable experience for many members of the squad and offered a glimpse of what the team could achieve with continued development.
The conclusion of the competition also marked the beginning of discussions about the future of the coaching position.
Debate Over the Future Continues
The uncertainty surrounding Carlos Queiroz has generated widespread discussion among football supporters, former players and administrators.
Some believe the Portuguese coach deserves more time because he inherited the team shortly before the World Cup and still managed to guide Ghana into the knockout stage.
Others believe the Ghana Football Association should use this opportunity to begin a new long term project with another coach.
The debate highlights the different opinions surrounding the future direction of the Black Stars. Regardless of which decision is eventually made, many believe it will play an important role in shaping Ghana’s preparations for upcoming competitions.
Awaiting an Official Decision
For now, Carlos Queiroz’s future remains uncertain. Although his post tournament message has been widely interpreted as a farewell by some observers, including Ibrahim Sannie Daara, no official confirmation has been issued stating that he has left the Black Stars.
Supporters will continue waiting for a formal announcement from the Ghana Football Association regarding the coaching position.
With preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers expected to begin soon, clarity over the team’s technical leadership will become increasingly important.
Until that decision is made, speculation is likely to continue over whether Carlos Queiroz has coached his final match for Ghana or whether he could still remain in charge of the Black Stars.
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