No plans for Essien meeting - GFA

Accra, March 9, GNA - The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has quashed media reports suggesting a planned meeting with Michael Essien later this month.

Fred Pappoe vice-president of the GFA told GNA Sports he was unaware of any such plans despite riffed media reports on a proposed meeting after the Stars friendly with England on March 29 at Wembley.


"I am unaware of any such meeting," Pappoe responded.


The said discussion was supposed to center on the midfielder's self imposed exile from international duties.

Essien has yet to play for Ghana since his second half appearance against Cote d'Ivoire in a group phase clash at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.


The Chelsea ace sought time off international duties after picking up an injury while training with the Stars in Angola. Essien who missed the South Africa 2010 World Cup due to the injury has remained evasive over a return date despite being a regular for the Blues.


It was widely anticipated that the Wembley meeting on March 29 could tempt Essien back to the Black Stars, but the player last month said he was not ready for a return just yet. Ghana's Coach Goran Stevanovic has repeatedly aired his desire to meet the midfielder in his quest to woo him back to the team.