Dossena turns into a political football

GHANA (goalnetwork) -- Political chaos has developed over the possible contract renewal of Giuseppe Dossena as Ghana's national coach.

Ghanaian politicians have refused to hold a debate in parliament on Dossena's future after a dispute by Sports Minister Enoch Mensah and the Ghana FA which wants the coach to stay on.

After the Nations Cup, a statement recommending the dismissal of Dossena was leaked to the press. It also stated that the government could no longer afford to pay the Italian's $12,000 monthly wage. Mensah was accused of being the author of the document.

Last month Black Stars' skipper, Charles Akunnor, and Bayern Munich defender Samuel Osei Kuffour visited Ghana's vice president, Professor John Mills, in a bid to clarify Dossena's wage issue and to muster support for him.

Dossena's two-year contract expires at the end of this month and is due for extension until 2002.

Now Parliament will not interfere the GFA and Sports Minister must meet to decide what is best for the national team. Both parties have agreed to hold talks before July 31.

Dossena's prospects were improved by Ghana's 5-0 thrashing of Sierra Leone in a World Cup qualifier on July 9.