Mustapha Riga named BA United CEO

The ex-Bolton striker is set for a long-term administrative role in the country of his birth

Former Dutch youth international of Ghanaian parentage Mustapha Riga has been named chief executive officer of relegated Ghana Premier League side B.A United.

The 34-year-old, who spent most of his playing career in the Netherlands, England and Spain, is set to take over the top administrative role for the next 15 years as United hope to make a quick return to the Ghanaian topflight, having been demoted at the end of the 2014-15 season.

Born in Accra, Riga played for the Netherlands at U-16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 levels, but failed in his bid to notch a senior Oranje appearance.

“He [Riga] will be the CEO for a long time, 15 years,” Peter Nimo, United’s board chairman told Starr FM.

“We have been running the club with an IMT [Interim Management Committee] since the second round of the ended league season.

“So the decision came up to appoint a permanent person.”

Riga played for Spanish sides Levante and Cartagena as well as English club Bolton between 2005 and 2011, before hanging his boots in 2014 at Indian outfit Pune FC.

Nimo added: “He is now putting up his technical team together and has promised not to sign any player beyond 30 years. Those above 25 years will be few.

“So latest by next week we will outdoor him”

United parted ways with former C.E.O, Roy Arthur following the club’s dismal showing at the end of the season.