Accra, Feb. 9, GNA - Ghana has dropped its interest in hosting the 2013 Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) World Under-17 Soccer Tournament due to limited time and budgetary constraints.
A "supreme source" told GNA Sports that the decision was taken after a marathon meeting between government and members of the Bid Committee.
The source said Ghana's ability to meet the two year time frame for the construction of two new stadiums in addition to the upgrading of the existing four to FIFA standards plus other major competing national needs forced the withdrawal.
In addition, the source said budgetary allocations were not made for the ensuing expenses in the 2011 Budget leaving the government's hands tied in raising funds for construction of the facilities.
Further inquiries conducted by the GNA Sports indicates that the decision of the government to construct two universities seems to have been given much priority over the two new stadiums.
In view of the latest development, the proposed trip to Zurich, Switzerland by a four member team on Wednesday has been put on ice.
The team, which was to have been led by Mr Stephen Amoanor Kwao, Minister of State in Charge of Sports, Awuah Nyamekye,- Chairman of the U-17 Management Committee, and Rex Danquah- a consultant to the Bid Committee will have been joined by Ghana Football Association's President, Kwesi Nyantakyi on Thursday.
The withdrawal of Ghana thus leaves the competition between Denmark and oil rich United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the hosting right.
Ghana had hoped to build at least two new stadiums in addition to the four in Accra, Kumasi, Essipong and Tamale which were used for the 2008 Nations Cup for the 24 team tournament.
The Starlets, winners of the 1991 edition in Italy and Ecuador 1995 have failed to qualify for the last two editions of the tournament.
Nigeria and Egypt are the two previous African host of the global championship.
