GFA Appointment Won’t Compromise My Principles – Abdul Salam Yakubu

Abdul Salam Yakubu, President of New Edubiase United FC, in a recent interview with Kessben Sports, has reiterated that his appointment by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) won’t sway him from speaking his mind and standing by his principles. Yakubu has been a vocal critic of the proposed extension of the GFA presidential term from two to three terms.

Yakubu believes that eight years is enough for any president to make an impact in Ghanaian football. He has written to the GFA demanding transparency on the number of clubs backing the proposal, with written support, as Article 34, Sections 2-4 of the GFA’s statutes dictate. He questions the rationale behind the move as the FA is keen on contravening the above article.

“I’m against the proposal for a third term because eight years is sufficient for every president to contribute to our football. I will tell Kurt Okraku just to finish his second term and leave,” Yakubu stated.

Yakubu argues that the FA should listen to the public outcry since football is for the greater majority.

”Is it not so obvious that football fans, journalists, politicians, and the general public are all not in support of the proposed GFA three-term proposal?
The system isn’t exclusive to ‘football people.”

The veteran football administrator also expressed concerns about the voting process, suggesting that CEOs might vote in favor of the proposal due to fear of victimization. “If the GFA adopts secret ballots, the proposal’s fate would be clear. Out of fear of victimization, the CEOs and club representatives will vote in favor of the three-term,” he said.

Despite being appointed by the GFA to lead the Management Committee of the U19 championship, Yakubu asserts that he won’t compromise his integrity. “The fact that the GFA offered me an appointment doesn’t mean I should compromise on integrity. I will blatantly tell the president when he does the wrong thing,” he emphasized.

Yakubu says that he won’t even spare his candidate, George Afriyie if he does the wrong.

“If my preferred candidate, George Afriyie, becomes GFA President, I will blatantly tell him to his face when he does the wrong thing. I’m not the type who follows blindly.”

”My biggest interest is the betterment of our football but not a few people’s selfish interests,” he added.

Yakubu’s commitment to speaking truth to power is evident in his past interactions with former GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi. During Nyantakyi’s tenure, Yakubu single-handedly halted a premier league match until the GFA paid his club’s dues. Nyantakyi responded by providing $10,000 within the same week.

Yakubu’s stance remains unwavering: “Right is right, and wrong remains wrong. If the GFA thinks I will compromise my integrity because of my appointment, I’ll simply resign and remain in my corner.”

Source: Kessben Sports Desk