[ 2014-08-11 ]

FIFA warns Presidential Commission of Inquiry
The world governing body of football, FIFA, has
issued a stern warning to the three-man commission
of inquiry set up by President John Dramani Mahama
to look into Ghana's campaign at the 2014 FIFA
World Cup.

FIFA warned the commission over findings that may
implicate officials of the Ghana Football
Association (GFA).

“Moreover, we refer to the power that the
Commission would have to remove any member of the
Executive Committee or the President of the GFA in
case of adverse findings,” a letter signed by
FIFA Deputy General Secretary Markus Kattner on
Thursday, August 7 notes.

“In this regard, we would like to remind you
that all FIFA member associations have to manage
their affairs independently and without influence
of any third parties as clearly stipulated in
Articles 13 and 17 of the FIFA Statutes. Therefore
and should any decision be rendered by the
Commission against GFA officials thereby removing
them from office, it would be considered as
interference in the GFA affairs and the case would
be brought to FIFA's higher instances for
appropriate sanctions.”

President Mahama set up the Commission of Inquiry,
chaired by Justice Senyo Dzamefe, to look into
among other references, matters relating to the
preparation of the Black Stars for the 2014 World
Cup and possible lapses which might have caused
the early exit of the team.

It was inaugurated last Monday to start work next
Monday.

But FIFA appears not to be satisfied with a
joint-response government and the GFA sent to
Zurich over the terms of reference of the
Commission.

“According to the information that you have
provided to us in your letter dated 4 August 2014,
we understand that GFA does not receive public
funding for its work and that public funds
allocated to the national team are managed by
representatives of the government of the Republic
of Ghana.”

FIFA’s letter, therefore, insulates officials of
the GFA against any sanctions. It appears any
punitive action by the Commission against the FA's
officials will result in a ban.

Ghana exited the 2014 World Cup after 1-2 losses
against the United States of America and Portugal
but a hard-fought draw against eventual champions
Germany.

Source - TV3

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