Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council member Nana Oduro Sarfo has expressed concern over rumours that the former head coach of Brighton and Hove Albion, Chris Hughton, was being imposed on the GFA by the government.
According to Sarfo, this would set a bad precedent and open the door for future governmental influence on coaching appointments.
In an interview with Joy Sports, Sarfo confirmed that Hughton was not appointed as the Black Stars coach last year due to speculations that he was being brought to Ghana by a member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabi Ochere Darko, to take charge of the national team.
He stated that the GFA did not want to set a precedent whereby any government could give them a coach.
"We didn't want to set a precedent whereby we would allow any government to give us a coach. Because when you set that precedent, it's going to haunt you in the future," Sarfo said.
Instead, the GFA appointed Otto Addo as head coach of the Black Stars for the 2022 World Cup playoffs and tournament itself. Sarfo noted that they had made plans for Addo before Hughton's rumoured arrival and that they did not want any imposition.
"We wanted somebody who knew the team," he added.
Hughton has now been appointed as head coach of the Black Stars, replacing Otto Addo, who left after the World Cup.