Referees Association Slams GFA General Secretary’s Claims on Presidential Term Extension Proposal

A heated dispute has erupted within Ghanaian football over a proposal to extend the Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidential term. GFA General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo, claimed that clubs and member bodies, including the Referees Association of Ghana (RAG), initiated the proposal to extend the presidential term from two to three terms.

However, RAG Chairman George Saijah, talking with Sir Joe Laka on Midfield Action, vehemently denied Addo’s assertions.

“It’s untrue that the Referees Association of Ghana was informed about the FA’s proposal to extend the GFA Presidential mandate. It’s never come up for discussion,” Saijah emphasized.

When Addo mentioned that the proposal had been discussed for three years, Saijah revealed, “I’ve been RAG’s chairman since September 2021, and I can refute it any day.”

The controversy highlights a deeper rift between the GFA and RAG, particularly over outstanding allowances owed to referees, an issue Saijah has consistently criticized the GFA about. Saijah challenged Addo to name any referee who represented RAG in discussions about the proposal, emphasizing that there’s only one recognized referees association.

That notwithstanding, the dispute doesn’t seem to cast any uncertainty over the proposal’s prospects, given speculation of FIFA’s prior approval of the FA’s move pending Congress’ decision.

The final decision on whether Congress will approve the term extension remains pending the August 12 Congress meeting, which will ultimately determine the future leadership structure of Ghana football.

Kessben Sports Desk