GFA did 'no wrong in Boateng switch'

The Ghana Football Association insists it has provided world football governing body Fifa with the relevant documents in their bid to formalise Kevin Prince Boateng’s transition from ex-German youth international to a Ghanaian international.

The GFA came on in for intense criticism on Wednesday morning when reports on the BBC quoting a Fifa spokesman revealed the transition has stalled because the GFA has not presented the relevant documents needed to make it happen.

It raised questions about the administrative procedures at the football association, especially coming on the heels of the episode when Ghana nearly lost her place in the inaugural Championships of African Nations tournament because the GFA did not complete the relevant forms.

But the GFA says it has done nothing wrong in this case.

Vice-president Fred Pappoe and chairman of the Black Stars management committee Fred Pappoe told TV3 Network that they were committed to securing the player's switch and have been doing everything possible to secure the player.

“We started this process about six months ago and have sent every documents that Fifa has asked for. If there is anything we have not done then Fifa has not communicated that to us so to create the impression of an incompetent body is mostly unfair.

“We have been in regular touch with Kevin and he understands we want this to happen, the coach Rajevac is keen on him and we were the ones who initiated this process. We have sent letters from the German FA stating they have no objection to the switch to FIFA and have asked for documents relating to his mother's nationality even though it has no bearing on the outcome of the ruling,” Pappoe said.

Another player whose switch has stalled is Adam Kwarassey, the ex-Norway youth international who has already written to the GFA about his intention to represent Ghana.

Pappoe says the GFA is waiting for a letter from the Norway FA about the games he has played for them and one stating their non-objection to the switch.

While there is no guarantee the goalkeeper’s switch can be done before the World Cup, Pappoe says he is more than convinced Boateng will represent Ghana at the World Cup in June this year once he recovers from the injuries that has kept him out of Portsmouth’s games.