GFA lays out conditions for choice of FIFA President

The Ghana Football Association says it will vote for a FIFA Presidential candidate who promises an increase in the number of slots of African teams at the World Cup and an enhancement of financial support.

At least three candidates vying for the FIFA top job are expected in Accra to lobby delegates during the WAFU Zone B General Assembly on January 12.

Five candidates including the likes of FIFA Vice President Prince Ali bin Hussein and UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino have been cleared to contest the elections set for February 26.

CAF is yet to declare its support as a block for any of the candidates.

However, individual member associations reserve the right of choosing which one of the candidates to cast their vote for.

The Ghana FA have made it clear it will be casting its votes for any of the candidates who can deliver on major demands such as an increased number of World Cup slots for Africa and enhance financial support.

“We want a FIFA President who would have interest in Africa, a FIFA President who will respect Africa,” GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi said.

“And what I mean is that Mr. Blatter started the Goal Project, the Financial Assistance projects. We don’t want a President who will come and stop them because they are very crucial to management of football in Africa.

“I am looking towards an increase in Africa’s representation on the FIFA Executive Committee.

“Currently we have only four people there. Africa deserved more than that, we should have five or even six.

“Africa’s representation at the World Cup is currently five, it should be six or even seven. After Qatar 2022, Africa should have not less than seven at the World Cup.

“There is a discussion to increase the number of teams at the World Cup from 32 to 40 and that will not affect the duration of the World Cup but will affect the number of teams so we think Africa deserves more slots.

“So the chances of teams like Ghana qualifying for every World Cup is enhanced.

“We are looking to an increase in the financial support to countries. Rich countries like Germany, the USA or Japan, I don’t think need this $200,000 but we need it and are even looking forward to an enhanced version.

“Africa is the biggest member of FIFA. FIFA is made up of 208 associations, of that, 54 come from Africa. The nearest is Europe, Europe is 53.

“So we should be accorded the respect we deserve and should be extended all courtesies we deserve.”