Ghana08: CAF warns Ghana over LOC changes

Confederation of African Football(CAF) has warned the Ghanaian authorities that it would "be seriously concerned" if the leadership of the 2008 Nations Cup Local Organising Committee (LOC) is replaced.

The country's sports minister Dominic Fobih last week set up a five-man committee to oversee the work of the LOC after a reported rift in the organisation.


The chairman of the LOC Dr. Kofi Amoah and the chief executive Magnus Rex Danquah are said to be at loggerheads over the direction of the organisation.


This has prompted fears that either man could be replaced with just over two months to the start of the competition.


But the continent's governing body says the successful hosting of the tournament, which starts on 20 January, could be undermined by such action.


"It has come to our attention that there could be a proposal for a change in the senior personnel of the LOC," Caf secretary general Mustapha Fahmy said in a letter to the Ghanaian authorities.

"Caf will be seriously concerned if there was to be a change in any key person just prior to the start of the competition."


Meanwhile, Caf has given the LOC by next week to reduce the ticket prices for the tournament.


The Ghanaian authorities announced last month that it will cost the equivalent of US$10 to attend a match at next year's showpiece event.


The tickets will cost a maximum of US$200 for VIP and corporate stands.