GFA Defends Ghana Converts

Ghana Football Association vice-president Fred Pappoe has defended the rights of players to make the switch to Ghana under new FIFA rules and says allegations that they are being opportunistic is narrow.

Former Germany youth international Kevin-Prince Boateng and Jeffrey Sarpong who has represented Holland at youth level have told the GFA they will be available for selection into the Black Stars in future.

Boateng 22 turned down the chance to represent Ghana at the 2006 world cup and admitted his desire to play for Ghana has been influenced by Germany’s persistent refusal to pick him.

The fact that Ghana is mighty close to the 2010 World Cup now has led to allegations of opportunism against the players but Pappoe says that is not fair.

“It is a narrow view to say they are being opportunistic,” Pappoe said.

“The life of a footballer is not just about playing at the World Cup. Somebody like Jeffrey had made his interest known to us long ago and we have been talking to him for a while now. At the GFA we simply feel honoured that these players want to make the switch to Ghana because it expands our talent base which is vital.”

Pappoe now expects many other players to take advantage of FIFA’s new rule which removed the age limit at which players could switch from one country to another.