SWAG back calls for investigation into bribery allegations

Accra, Sept. 17, GNA - The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has backed calls for investigations into an allegation of bribery levelled against the Coach of the National U-20 team, the Black Satellites, Sellas Tetteh, by Portugal-based Ghanaian footballer, Ishmael Yartey.

A statement signed by the President, Ackah Anthony, said investigations were necessary to establish the truth in the matter. "It is necessary that the truth in the matter comes out, given how much damage can be done to the coach's name, especially when the team is expected to be in Egypt next week for the world championship, the statement said.


It stressed the need for the investigations to be carried out in an open-minded manner as possible, so that at the end of the day Ghana football would be the ultimate beneficiary.


"Given Ghana's enviable position in African football, and the respect it enjoys beyond the continent, it is important that anything that can tarnish its image is nipped in the bud, the statement said. The SWAG statement noted that allegations of bribery against coaches for selection of players into the junior national teams predate the claim by Ishmael Yartey.

It noted that when the junior national teams became the route to fame and lucrative foreign contracts in the past, some parents allegedly disposed of their landed property just to influence the selection of their wards.


The SWAG is of the view that Ghanaian youth everywhere, regardless of their background, should have a level playing field to harness their potential.


The statement stressed the need for all aggrieved footballers to channel their grievances through the appropriate avenues instead of going public through the media to make very serious allegations that may not necessarily be true.