I am protecting football interest - Nana Fitz

Seasoned football administrator Nana Fitzgerald Bakers Wood has rubbished claims that he had taken sides in the Youth and Sports Ministry-GFA rancour.

The former Kumasi Cornerstone chairman revealed that if there had been a move to restore sanity between the two bodies, then it was in Ghana football’s interest and not on parochial grounds.

Last month, Nana officially wrote to the two parties for a meeting to address their differences, but that did not materialise.

The Ministry invited the senior football man to a meeting attended by Nii Lantey, his deputy Vincent Oppong Asamoah, Mr Kobby Woyome, chairman, Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Chief Director Xola Senaya and Otto Plahar, the PRO.

Nana wondered why it had taken the FA so long a time to respond to his request.

“It’s unfortunate some members of the FA are labelling me as taking sides and being a constant critique of their dealing.

“I wanted sanity to prevail because the two need each other to move our football forward, the ministry realised the importance of the meeting hence their response, and because I also want the good of Ghana football, I responded swiftly and not because I am in bed with the Ministry.”

“If the Ministry is drifting off, why not? I will criticise constructively; it has always been my style to fight for Ghana football’s interest.”

The Minister has criticised the FA’s dealing since assuming office- slashing of the Black Stars purses, cutting off the payment of management members’ allowances, etc.

The FA, on the other hand, has expressed disappointment about the minister’s approach in his dealing with the football governing body.

Nana Fitz was said to have called for the removal of the GFA Capo from office through mutiny.