Abedi Pele rules out GFA presidency

Ghanaian football legend, Abedi Ayew Pele, has ruled out the possibility of succeeding current Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi, when his tenure expires in 2019.

Mr. Nyantakyi revealed his intentions to give up the position last month after his successful election into the FIFA and CAF Executive Committee paving way for a successor who would administer football in the country.

The former Black stars captain who has widely been touted to assume the position dismissed the suggestion, citing personal reasons which would hinder his ambitions of serving in CAF’s executive after receiving offers from CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad.

Abedi has been absent from the CAF administrative body since 1998 after he was somewhat exiled by the then President Issa Hayatou for declaring his support for Sepp Blatter during the race for the FIFA presidency.

The three-time African Footballer of Year told the media that he thinks there are competent and knowledgeable people around to succeed Nyantakyi and expects ex-footballers to get involved.

He suggested that allowing ex-footballers to take over the football administration in the country will aid in the restructuring of the sport and also raise and enhance the knowledge of retiring footballers.

“I think Nyantakyi has done his best and if he has got the courage to say he will not compete in 2019, it is a good one, we don’t lack intelligent people. I am not interested though but I think we have good and knowledgeable people in the game who can take over, “he explained.

“We all have to play the wait and see game but what is important is the vacancy. Ghana doesn’t lack intelligent men to stand for this position so we should just wait to the time and we would get somebody.

“He has been wonderful – three World Cups is not an easy thing to do. I mean it’s amazing; he has done a wonderful job.”

Former Black Stars players—Tony Baffoe,Samuel Osei Kufuor,C.K Akunnor and former Hearts of Oak captain, Joe Addo—have all been listed as possible candidates to take over from the Kwesi Nyantakyi.