Black Stars 'not begging for food' in USA - GFA

The Ghana Football Association has rubbished claims of Black Stars 'begging for food' in the United States of America ahead of the side's international against the Yankees on Saturday.

Reports surfaced in the West African nation on Friday that players of the senior national team had to rely on the benevolence of Ghanaian residents in Connecticut to survive.

While the Federation admits it encountered difficulty with their travelling plans from Houston to Hartford, Connecticut, attempts to paint a gloomy picture of the situation smacks of diabolism and a well-orchestrated plan to ostracize the FA in the eyes of the Ghanaian public.

The FA has been forced to set the record straight regarding their trip, insisting it has not shirk its responsibility.

"The Ghana Football Association's attention has been drawn to media commentary about the Black Stars journey from Houston to Hartford, Connecticut,"

"We had to fly the Black Stars for the journey from Houston and Hartford because there were no direct flights on the journey.

"Because of the distance the FA decided to fly all the players’ business class as is the norm in travel for the senior national team.

"Because of the numbers the airlines could not accommodate all of the players on one flight, so we had to break the team into groups, this clearly created some inconveniences.

"However, the federation ensured that each group traveled with at least a management member all the way through. "

The FA also clarified the situation which led to captain Assamoah Gyan using his credit card to save a situation regarding two players.

"For the two players who joined us in the US, the Vice President of GFA George Afriyie, was on call at the airport to pay so that they will not travel on another separate airline. The airline regrettably could not accept cash. Captain Asamoah Gyan paid with his credit card and was subsequently reimbursed.

"Since the team arrived here in Hartford many Ghanaians based here in Connecticut have come to support the team and out of enthusiasm have brought them Ghana food although unsolicited.

"The management had already arranged for food from the hotel's restaurant before the team's arrival and the team was fully sufficient with food.

"Let's also put it on record that the GFA ONLY paid for the players, technical and management on this trip.

"Any other Ghanaian who traveled here be it journalists, fans, members of the Ghana football fraternity or relatives of officials of the GFA we not paid for by the GFA."

The four-time African champions will renew its rivalry with the Americans ahead of the meeting of the two nations on Saturday.

The Black Stars lost 1-0 to Mexico in a similar exercise in Houston on Thursday.

What the defeat to Mexico means to Kwesi Appiah’s era and way forward

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah was left to reflect on several missed chances by the Black Stars after a 1-0 defeat by Mexico in an international friendly at the NRG Stadium in Houston.

Ghana went down to a first-half penalty to leave Appiah frustrated with a display that was high on chances but low on quality finishing.

The opportunities created would have pleased the Ghana boss, but there are also many failings which have highlighted the work ahead for the returning coach.

Finishing remains the long-term problem

Ghana put five past Ethiopia in a Nations Cup qualifier, but it was obvious that Mexico would represent a much sterner test.

The good thing for Appiah is that there was no shortage of chances by the Black Stars.

Waris Majeed could have scored inside two minutes, Raphael Dwamena went close and Frank Acheampong missed two huge chances.

After the Ethiopia game suggested goals could come from any direction, this was a good reminder that, against better opponents, the team cannot afford to fluff their lines.

Lumor here to stay



Lumor Agbenyenu had another solid game at left back, providing Appiah with a key attacking threat from deep throughout the contest.

His runs were intelligent, and the crossing improved throughout the match.

It is to the player's credit that every Ghana move seemed to develop from his end. It would please Appiah too that he stuck to his defensive duties well and was rarely ruffled in one-on-one situations. He wasn't beaten for pace either.

If Baba Rahman was watching, he would be right to be worried about taking his spot at left-back back when he recovers from his injury.

International level a step too far for a few players Appiah handed a debut to Isaac Sackey and then hauled him off at half time after a testing 45 minutes.

The Turkey-based player might have been grateful for that given his struggles in the first half; he lost the ball too many times, didn't tackle effectively and his passing was poor.

It was a display that suggested Appiah may not be phoning him up about the August and September World Cup qualifiers.

While you could forgive Sackey because of stage fright, the same cannot be said for a few others.

His replacement Mohammed Abu didn't fare much better, exposing perhaps why he can't get regular games at Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew, while Waris did little to suggest that Avram Grant was wrong to overlook him for the African Cup of Nations, as he missed a series of decisive chances.

Ofori is a true baller



One of the positives Appiah will have taken from the evening's work was the performance of Ebenezer Ofori.

He hardly played a bad pass, his first touch was gold and his use of the ball was hugely impressive.

He controlled the pace of the game and set the team forward in a fine manner, and it's increasingly looking like he has one slot in central midfield to himself.

Will the likes of Mubarak Wakaso, Afriyie Acquah and Thomas Partey be left to compete for the other spot in the midfield?

Appiah needs Plan B, Plan C, and maybe even a rethink



Appiah dropped Wakaso, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Jeffery Schlupp and Andy Yiadom for the June games, and while the Ethiopia game suggested they were not badly missed, a better Mexico side demonstrated that Appiah might need to be more cautious with his overhaul.

In truth, unlike against Ethiopia, the new names didn't dazzle, and with a busy period coming up, Appiah needs to give himself more options. For instance, Harrison Afful seemed to struggle in the first half, and when he was pulled out, Rashid Sumaila didn't particularly glitter at right-back.

Sackey was by no means an upgrade on Badu, and when things got tight in the second half, there seemed to be one route which was to hit the ball in the hope that Dwamena would use his big frame to shield the ball and play someone in.

It worked sometimes, but not always.

For Appiah, the priority now must be to find a better balance between the old and the new before the World Cup qualifiers resume.

Mubarak Wakaso makes peace with coach Kwesi Appiah

There seems to be finally peace between Ghana midfielder Mubarak Wakaso and Coach Kwesi Appiah after series of phone talks and an interview by the player.

Wakaso was omitted from the Ghana team that played against Ethiopia and also the games against the United States and Mexico.

But in an interview with GHone the midfielder clams he holds nothing against the coach after a clear the air talks.

“Before I came to the national team, there were others there who made way for some of us,” Wakaso told GHOne TV.

“For me, I have the belief that whatever comes your way is what God is willing to give you.

“I’ve come a long way, been in the squad for so many years now and the explanation they [Black Stars technical team] gave me was okay for me."

Wakaso made his full international debut in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Malawi in 2012.

Andre Ayew gets mobbed by thousands on arrival in Guinea

Ghana star André Ayew has been in Guinea Conakry in the last 48 hours and was mobbed up by thousands upon arrival.

The West Ham forward, who is on summer holidays, made the trip to the West African nation at the invitation of a long-time friend Ahmed Sekou Camara popularly known as Ahmed of Paris.

“As you know, I usually bring people in. So after Samuel Eto’o and Kader Keita, today I brought in André Ayew who is more than a brother,” Ahmed said Thursday. “He’s been my best friend for almost 12 years.”

“It was a long time ago that we had in mind the idea of coming to Conakry. André Ayew is a very positive, thoughtful young person, who is above average on the sporting level and also in everything that follows. He is as responsible as any other African footballer,” he added.

23 Parliamentarians lament their 'officeless' state

Twenty-three Members of Parliament in the current parliament do not have offices for themselves and their auxiliary staff.

The situation has prompted Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwame Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi to file a question that asked the "Majority Leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs when offices shall be provided for the 23 other Members of Parliament who are without offices.”

Mr Magnus Kofi Amoatey, MP for Yilo Krobo asked the question on behalf on his colleagues.

Answering, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensa Bonsu, the Majority Leader, said the Parliament House Physical Infrastructure Enhancement Project approved by Parliamentary Service Board of the Sixth Parliament at its 21st Regular Meeting held in July 2016, has engaged the attention of the new Board of the Seventh Parliament.

He said even though all the pre-contract works were duly undertaken, the Parliamentary Service Board of the previous Parliament could not award a contract for the project execution as its mandate expired after the general elections.

The Majority Leader assured the House: “As you are aware, the Board of the Seventh Parliament has been constituted and the project under reference has engaged the attention of the new Board.

“Discussions are going on the need to increase the number beyond 23.
“As soon as a determination is made, processes leading to the award of the contract in respect of the project would be triggered and I want to assure the House that the contract will be awarded in accordance with the due process for construction works to commence in earnest.”

Mr Kyei-Mensa Bonsu said the Job 600 Office Complex, which was refurbished into offices for MPs took into consideration the total membership of Parliament increased to 230, the then Board ensured an increase in the number of offices to 252.

This was to make for the 24 additional offices for purposed as may be determined by the Board.

“Mr Speaker, the coming into force of the Representation of the People’s (Parliamentary Constituencies) Instrument, 2012 (C.I. 78) eventually led to an increase in the number of Members of Parliament from 230 to 275, an addition of 45 new constituencies.

“At the time the Membership of Parliament increased to 275, the civil works for the refurbishment of the Block had been completed and further tempering with the structure would have involved a lot of demolition with attendant huge financial implications,” the Majority Leader said.

He said apart from the huge financial outlay as a result of any demolition, the structural integrity of the building would have been compromised and hence necessitated relevant adjustments and reinforcement.

“It is these considerations and the effect of huge additional loads to a structure that itself was over 50 years that resulted in maintaining the original facility.

"This, therefore, resulted in a shortfall of office accommodation for 23 out of the additional 45 Members that joined Parliament 2012.”

Mr Kyei-Mensa Bonsu explained that the Parliament House Physical Infrastructure Enhancement project has three sub-project components, namely Sub-project I- Supplementary MP Offices (Job 600 Annex); Sub-project II- Facelift of the Chamber Block Basement and Related Works; and Sub project III- Re-modelling of Speaker’s Block.

Despite the Parliament House Physical Infrastructure Enhancement Project, being a three-part component project, the Majority Leader threw the searchlight on the Supplementary MPs Offices (Job 600 Annex), and said the project involved the construction of a seven-storey building which was intended to provide office accommodation for 23 Members and their support staff as well as provide office accommodation for staff of Parliamentary Service.

He announced that the total cost estimated for the Supplementary MPs Office Complex at the time was $ 23, 074, 249.84 or its cedi equivalent of GHC 92, 296, 99.36.

“Mr Speaker, I wish to indicate that prior to approving this project, the PSB of the Six Parliament accepted a financial proposal from the contractor that refurbished the Job 600 Tower Block, Messrs China Stat Hualong Construction Limited of its willingness to raise the required funds to pre-finance the project on design-and-build arrangement,” the Majority Leader said.

Kofi Adams sues Chief of Defence Staff, Abronye

The National Organiser of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kofi Adams, has filed a writ at the Human Rights Division of the Accra High Court against the Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, Major General Obed Akwa, in connection with the seizure of his vehicles.

Joined to the suit are Captain Anane Tandoh of the Defence Mechanical Transport Unit at Burma Camp as well as Brong Ahafo Youth Organiser of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC.

The writ is seeking to recover items which Mr Adams alleges were stolen from his vehicles when a taskforce led by Captain Tandoh stormed his Tema residence early this year.

According to Mr Adams, the taskforce members stole a pistol and some quantity of cash.

On 1 February this year, a taskforce stormed Mr Adam’s residence in Tema and seized five vehicles parked in the house which they alleged had been stolen from the state.

The vehicles were subsequently handed over to the police who later returned them to Mr. Adams who was away when the incident happened.

Mr Adams, however, claims some of the items in the vehicles could not be accounted for after he got his cars back.

Agyemang Badu grateful to God for an injury-free season

Ghana and Udinese midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has expressed gratitude to his maker for going through the Serie season without an injury.

The hardworking midfielder who played 29 times for The Black and Whites this season guided his side to 13th position on the league log.

And the midfielder believes he has been lucky to have finished the season without an injury.

“I must say the season went well because finishing such a tough season without an injury is a good thing and I must be thankful to God for that.

The former Asante Kotoko midfielder has spent eight seasons with Udinese and is considered one of the most influential players of th

I fell in love with my kidnapper - Christabel Ekeh

Ghanaian actress Christabel Ekeh has been off the screens for a while. Apparently, love swept her off her feet when she least expected it.

The actress revealed that she has fallen in love with a guy who ‘kidnapped’ her and has "been swept off" her entire feet.

Speaking to Joy Prime’s Ibrahim Ben-Bako at the premieriing of 'Damaged Goods' by Roverman Productions, the actress, who seemed to be clearly smitten, admitted that she did not believe very much in the concept of love until she fell in love with her ‘kidnapper’ whom she said is a descent of two French countries.

“I never believed in this love thing until it struck me like thunderbolt. We met in a very dramatic way; I thought I was being kidnapped; I probably was being kidnapped,” she said.

Christabel Ekeh, who is of Ghanaian and Nigerian descent, narrated the occurrence.

“I was bored and I went somewhere and this guy just whisked me away. In the beginning I was scared, and then I was curious and I found myself in his home and I was curious again; I thought I should blow the alarm, by then I was dating somebody but I noticed I wasn’t even in love because the person came, he knew something was wrong, he brought in the police, I managed to get out of his hold (the kidnapper), but I went back. That’s why I said I fell in love with my kidnapper.”

The actress, who was reluctant to give any more information about her love, did mention that he was ‘famous and rich’.

That probably leaves her fans with three clues; French decent, rich and famous. It is however unclear, whether or not the actress is referring to a figurative kidnapping or an actual one.

Christabel Ekeh, who is 26, is known for movies like ‘Corporate Game’, ‘Sweet Mistake’, and the popular, ‘Potomanto’ released in 2013.

Bravo saves three penalties to send Chile to Confederations Cup final

anchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was the hero as Chile reached the Confederations Cup final by beating Portugal on penalties.

Bravo denied efforts from Ricardo Quaresma, Joao Moutinho and Nani as Chile converted all their spot-kicks.

It was perhaps justice for Chile, who had a strong claim for a penalty denied deep in extra time and also hit the post twice in quick succession.

They will play either Germany or Mexico in Sunday's final in St Petersburg.

Arturo Vidal, whose shot hit the post in closing stages of extra-time before Martin Rodriguez's follow up also hit the woodwork, was successful from the spot for Chile along with Charles Aranguiz and Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez.

The dramatic finale lit up an otherwise dull encounter, with both sides looking tired after playing their fourth game in just 10 days at the tournament in Russia.

Bravo's performance will have come as welcome relief for the goalkeeper at the end of a difficult season domestically.

The 34-year-old was signed by Pep Guardiola from Barcelona last summer to replace England international Joe Hart, but faced criticism for his shot-stopping skills since arriving in a £15.4m deal.

Bravo will have to fight to remain City's first-choice keeper after Guardiola signed Ederson Moraes for £35m from Benfica earlier this month but his focus for now is on leading Chile to the Confederations Cup title.

"We are satisfied with the result and how we played, but we have still not won anything," he said.

Chile have reached the final on their debut appearance at the Confederations Cup but a decision that went against them could have been a particularly strong talking point if they had not progressed.

This tournament has seen the implementation of video assistant referees (VARs) and it appeared the system would be used in this game when, in the final few minutes of extra time, Francisco Silva knocked the ball past Jose Fonte inside the box and the West Ham defender appeared to bring down the Chile substitute inside the box.

Referee Alireza Faghani had the option to initiate a video review of the incident but chose not to, instead awarding a goal kick.

Chile progressed regardless in the end but it was another controversial moment at the tournament involving VARs.

Old rivalry renewed

The game at the Kazan Arena pitted Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo against his former Barcelona foil Sanchez, a mouth-watering prospect given their form for their respective clubs this season.

Ronaldo hit a stunning 37 goals in 42 appearances for Real and, while Sanchez scored 10 fewer, the Arsenal forward provided more assists for his team-mates with 13 compared to Ronaldo's 11.

Sanchez caught the eye when he created an early opportunity for Chile, playing a defence-splitting pass to put Eduardo Vargas through, but Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio was quick off his line to close down the gap.

After that, though, Sanchez's influence faded as Ronaldo's grew stronger. His first contribution was to provide a brilliant pass behind the defence for Andre Silva, whose shot was straight at Bravo and the Manchester City goalkeeper later denied a stinging effort by the Portuguese forward.

Ronaldo almost won the tie for Portugal just before the end of normal time but flicked his header wide.

Sanchez, though, had the ultimate say, despatching the decisive kick in the shootout for Chile. Ronaldo, in line to take Portugal's fourth or fifth penalty, did not even have the chance to try and score from the spot.

Ronaldo confirms skipping third-place match after birth of two sons

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed he had become the father of two boys during the Confederations Cup.

Portugal were eliminated from the tournament on Wednesday, suffering a 3-0 penalty shoot-out loss to Chile after a 0-0 draw in Russia.

Ronaldo was left disappointed by his side's exit, confirming the birth of his two boys and that he would miss the third place play-off on Sunday.

"I was in the service of the national team, as always, body and soul, even though my two sons were born," he wrote on Facebook.

"Unfortunately, we have not been able to achieve the main sporting objective that we wanted, but I am sure we will continue to give joy to the Portuguese.

"The president of the Portuguese Football Federation and the national team have today had an attitude that has touched me and I will not forget.

"I'm very happy to finally be with my children for the first time."

Ronaldo's first son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., turned seven earlier this month.

Mexico hero Elias Hernandez salutes Ghana despite friendly win in Houston

Mexico hero Elias Hernandez has admitted they faced a very strong Ghana side in Wednesday's international friendly played in Houston.

The midfielder converted a 32nd minute penalty kick by buried the ball to the left corner of the net in the .

This was after Jesus Gallardo sprinted down the left wing and drew a foul just after entering the 18-yard box.

"They're a fast, strong team that was putting pressure on us all night," Hernandez said.

"But there were a lot of times where I thought we stopped them well and kept possession."

I proved my critics wrong - George Owu

Ashantigold goal keeper George Owu says he has been able to prove himself despite some people insisting he was too old.

Owu indicated that his output against Hearts of Oak has shut the mouth of his critics who thought he had nothing good to offer again.

“Some people say I am old but I was able to prove to them in the game against Hearts of Oak that I am still good,” Owu pointed out.

“I’m not old as you can see, I believe you all saw it yourself and people must stop calling me as an old player”

Ashgold are unbeaten in their last four GPL games.

Ben Nunoo Mensah slams deputy Sports Minister

Ghana Olympic Committee President, Ben Mr Ben Nunoo Mensah has taken strong swipe at deputy Youth and Sports Minister Hon. Pius Enam, Hadziede.

The deputy Youth and Sports minister Hon. Pius Enam Hadziede stated in his interview with Happy FM that, some of federation heads will go on to the Internet searching for competitions and if they get the then they will run to the ministries for money but the Ghana Olympic committee president Mr.Ben Nunoo Mensah says it’s was an unfortunate comment from the deputy sports minister.

He said that ,may be the minister was not well informed about sports issues.

“I think may be the minister is not well informed about sports issues , the kind of perception it sends out there about federations or so called least financed sports is not good. If he says people will go on to the Internet searching for tournament and if they get then they say give us money, i think is unfair statement to make about the least financed sports,” he told Happy FM.

He again stated that, some of the federation heads used their own money to sustain the various sporting disciplines.

“People whom i will say ministries have not given them anything in the past five (5) years, they have been using their pocket money to sustain up to now, for him to make such comment on them, i think is from uninformed position.”

Mexico, USA friendlies: Ghana bags $455,000

Ghana will earn a combine figure of $455,000 as appearance fee in a friendly game against Mexico and USA, Sportscrusader.com can exclusively report.

According to sources close to Sportscrusader.com, Ghana earned $130,000 as appearance fee against Mexico.

For USA game, the four-time Africa champions will take home $325,000.

Ghana played their first game of the double-header friendlies last Wednesday in Houston which they lost 1-0 to Mexico.

On July 1st, Ghana will engage USA at the Pratt & Whitney Stadium in Connecticut.

Kwesi Appiah accuses referee of using f-word against player in friendly

Ghana coach James Kwesi Appiah was frustrated after his side's 1-0 defeat to Mexico in a friendly Wednesday, but it wasn't the result that seemed to bother him most.

The coach accused referee Baldomero Toledo of using profanity toward one of his players and also questioned why organizers assigned a Mexican-American official to oversee a game involving the Mexican national team.

“Talking about the referee, I was really, really shocked that in a game like this they would allow a Mexican to be the center ref when we were playing (against) Mexico," Kwesi Appiah said in his post-match news conference. "I’m really, really surprised. I never knew about it until after the game. I heard that he was a Mexican-American. I mean, it doesn't make any difference. If you’re Mexican, you’re Mexican.

"On top of that also, his behavior on the pitch. The surprising thing, you know, he used the f-word against one of my players. This is something that modern days, we don’t need such reactions from a referee. I don’t know who organized it but because there are so many referees in the America here, I’m surprised that someone from Mexico should handle a Mexico game.”

Toledo, who grew up in Mexico but came to the United States as a young man, according to an interview he gave to a referee website , is listed as American by FIFA and has called games in MLS since 2004 and has been a FIFA referee since 2007.

Ghana now heads to East Hartford, Connecticut, to face the U.S. in a friendly, while Mexico's first unit will play in the Confederations Cup semifinals against Germany on Thursday with the second unit facing Paraguay on Saturday before beginning Gold Cup play.

Sports Minister presents President’s Cup to Bawumia

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon Isaac Asiamah, Wednesday afternoon led a team comprising leaders of the Ghana League Clubs Association and the National Sports Authority to present the trophy for Sunday’s President’s Cup match to Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia at the Flagstaff House.

The President’s Cup was instituted in 2003 by the Ghana Football Association to honour the President.

This year’s game is between traditional giants Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak and takes place at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday July 2, 2017.

In a brief remark, Vice President Bawumia urged the players to view the match as one to honour the nation, as the President is the embodiment of the country.

“I expect the match to be as exciting as we have always seen them to be. ‘Ebe ye butubutu’ in a friendly way,” he quipped.

Preview: Mexico and Ghana face-off in Houston, USA tonight

Mexico will face Ghana in an international friendly as they prepare for their CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign on Wednesday.

El Tri are also at the Confederations Cup, so they will field a heavily rotated team at Houston's NRG Stadium.

Mexico will allow their budding stars a chance to impress as they ready themselves for the regional championships.

Mexico are no strangers to Houston having featured there during the last edition of the Copa America.

El Tri will pit their wits against the Black Stars as they prepare for the Gold Cup at the NRG Stadium.

Some of Mexico's biggest players will be missing, but they will return at a later date for World Cup qualifiers.

According to Sky Sports, Ghana are out of form having lost three of their last six contests.

Defeats to Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Egypt will have left moral low, but a draw against Benin stopped the slide in May.

Ghana have named a competitive squad for the game in the United States, including Asamoah Gyan, Frank Acheampong and Majeed Waris.

However, Andre Ayew and Jordan Ayew have been omitted from the long journey to Houston as they prepare for next season.

Mexico will be overwhelming favourites to carve out a victory, but the amount of minutes received for their squad players will be the focus.

El Tri will be determined to enjoy success at the Gold Cup, and this match will be valuable in their preparations.

Kwesi Appiah to make changes for Mexico friendly

Black Stars Head Coach Kwesi Appiah is expected to ring in the changes in Wednesday’s friendly game against Mexico in Houston Texas.

The game will be the first of two friendlies the Black Stars will play with the second being against USA on Saturday. Kwesi Appiah will be without key players for both games including the Ayew brothers and Daniel Amartey who have been summoned for club duty.

The Black Stars’ 22-man squad includes 5 locally-based players who are all likely to feature on Wednesday. Kwesi Appiah says he plans to use the game to assess the strength in depth of his side as the two friendly games will serve as preparation for the Black Stars’ next World Cup qualifier in August.

“My ambition has been to build a team for the nation, and we’re still in the building process. We are using these games to look at the new players we have in the team and see what they can offer the team,” he said to Michael Oti Adjei of the BBC and TV3 in Houston.

“This is the only game we have until our next qualifier so we will use the games to assess out new players. “About four key players are missing from the team and it will give the opportunity to others to show not only me but Ghanaians what they can do.”

The full squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Addo Joseph (Aduana Stars) and Richard Ofori (Wa All Stars) Defenders: Lumor Agbenyenu (Munich 1860, Germany),Harrison Afful (Columbus Crew), Nicholas Opoku (Berekum Chelsea), Jerry Akaminko ( Eskiserhispor, Turkey), John Boye (Sivasspor, Turkey), Rashid Sumalia (Al Gharafa, Qatar), Jonathan Mensah (Columbus Crew, USA), Samuel Sarfo (Liberty, Ghana)

Midfielders: Mohammed Abu (Columbus Crew, USA), Isaac Sackey (Alanyaspor, Turkey), Ofori Ebenezer (Stuttgart, Germany), Kwadwo Poku (FC Miami), Winful Kwaku Cobbinah (Hearts of Oak), Frank Acheampong (Anderlecht, Belgium), Thomas Agyepong (NAC Breda, Holland), Gershon Koffie (New England Revolution)

Strikers: Asamoah Gyan (Al Alhi, UAE), Raphael Dwamena (FC Zurich, Switzerland), Majeed Abdul Waris (Lorient FC, France) and David Accam (Chicago Fire).

Is Kwesi Appiah too soft to coach the Black Stars?

The ‘second coming’ of Coach Akwasi Appiah received lukewarm reactions from Ghanaians. Coach Appiah was blamed for Ghana’s woes at the 2014 World Cup and I saw his return as an opportunity for redemption after the treatment he endured.

I thought Ghanaians would, if not welcome him with open arms, at least give him an opportunity to redeem himself. Little did I know that the bashing was going to begin just after playing his very first game.

Coach Appiah had the start coaches dream of for their first games. Ghana beat Ethiopia by 5 unanswered goals in front of a packed home crowd and introduced three debutants who not only had perfect games but one of them scored two goals.

Not to mention, the team’s skipper, Asamoah Gyan, scored a landmark 50th international goal.

Which coach wouldn’t want to achieve the above fate in his first game? Moreover, most countries would have thunderously applauded such an achievement by its national team not Ghanaians.

To my surprise, Ghanaians, looking for reasons to be displeased, threw this accomplishment out of the window in favor of controversy about an armband that was worn by the team’s captain, Asamoah Gyan.

Skipper Asamoah Gyan wore a personalized captain’s armband with his photo when Ghana played Ethiopia. Andre Ayew, the deputy skipper, had to retrieve the original captain’s armband from the team’s bench when Asamoah Gyan was substituted.

This prompted all kinds of wild accusations of Gyan’s arrogance and unfounded speculations about his actions among Ghanaian soccer faithfuls.

The fever pitch level of this hysteria forced journalists to harp on the matter with both Captain Asamoah Gyan and Coach Akawasi Appiah during the post-game press conference.

The question of the day – why Captain Gyan did not give his armband to his deputy – was asked by almost every journalist in the room.

The coach and his captain had a simple and understandable answer to the question: Gyan’s armband was personalized with his photo and was not the original captain’s armband, which was given to Ayew when he entered the game.

While some media houses and Ghanaians descended on Captain Gyan for his perceived arrogance, much of the heat was directed at Coach Akwasi Appiah for being too ‘soft’ or ‘too gentle’ to properly control his team. I’m not interested in upholding the general outcry of Akwasi Appiah as weak nor am I interested in condemning it. I however want to raise certain points and hopefully after reading, readers will be a little circumspect when criticizing.

Are Africans – or let me be more specific by saying are Ghanaians – too quick to criticize our own? I belong to a discussion group consisting of very intellectual Ghanaians. Naturally, the issue of Gyan’s personalized armband came up for discussion.

Almost all of the group members who chimed in subscribed to the argument of the day and blamed what transpired on Akwasi Appiah, whom they charged as ‘weak’. Some even took it further, speculating that the Gyan-Appiah saga would have never happened anywhere else.

To my surprise, when it was brought to the group’s attention that Italian Seria A side Atlanta star, Alejandro Gomez, personalizes his armband in almost every game, some members shifted their concern from Akwasi Appiah being too weak to whether Gyan asked for permission to use the armband.

NOTE: I did not hear Ghanaians calling Avram Grant weak when he did not sack Razak Brimah from Afcon 2017 tournament after his explicit rants on fans.

Does a leader or coach have to chastise or discipline a subordinate in public to prove his toughness? My little observations on good leaders inform me that they do not wash their dirty laundry in public.

I have seen the likes Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho, Arsene Wenger, Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte and many more coaches defend their players at press conferences even after obvious misconduct by their respective players.

Going back to point one, hardly do I hear any Ghanaian call the above coaches weak because most people know that even though they might have defended their players publicly those players in question will be dealt with privately. Can we give Coach Akwasi Appiah the same benefit of the doubt?


Does a lapse in Judgment equate to weakness? Was Coach Appiah aware that Captain Gyan was going to use a personalized armband?

Did Gyan seek permission from the coach before using his armband? These were the common questions being asked by Ghanaians. Based on the post-game press conference, it appears that the coach was aware.

On the matter of whether Gyan sought permission, let’s assume that he did and was given the go ahead, shouldn’t that then be judged more as a lapse in judgment on the coach’s part since it could have led to reprimanding from FIFA? A lapse in judgement is not weakness; it is simply a lapse in judgement.

Making the right diagnosis for a problem is the best way to solve it. Acting on our impulses and immediately jumping to the wrong conclusions will not do us any good.

Can we learn anything from the past? Ghana has had some very tough native football administrators with very strict stances before and I’m sorry to say that those publicly strict stances did not end well for our mighty Black Stars.

A prime example was when Coach Cecil Jones Attuquayefio, may his soul rest in peace – decided to use all local players to play a world cup qualifier against Nigeria on March 11th, 2001, at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The game ended goalless which was more of a moral victory for Ghana but that result diminished our 2002 World Cup hopes. The late Ben Koufie, may his soul rest in peace – had a similar tough stance which unfortunately did not end well too.

Are the Black Stars ready for a Ghanaian coach? This is a topic I will address in a later article, but, in brief, I will say that it will be good for Ghana football and, more importantly, for our players to look forward to future careers in leadership roles.

Unfortunately, Ghanaians (our players inclusive) are not psychologically and philosophically ready to embrace this.

Sports Ministry launches investigations into $526,000 AFCON hosting bid

The Sports Ministry says it has commenced investigations into some $526,000 spent on the preparation of an African Cup of Nations (AFCON) bid document to CAF in 2015.

The deal captured in the Auditor General’s report, however, noted the contract was awarded through sole sourcing without the approval from Public Procurement Authority (PPA).

According to the report, RICS Consult belonging to Rex Danquah was sole-sourced for the preparation of the document.

It stated that the sole sourcing of such a contract was in violation of Section 40 of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) which requires procurement entities to seek approval from the Public Procurement Authority before they engage in single source procurement.

The Auditor General noted that the Ministry's engagement of RICS Consult Limited was without prior approval from the Public Procurement Authority.

The Ministry could not also provide the Auditor General with the contract documents awarding RICS Consult Limited the consulting services, the report said.

Enraged by the revelation, sector Minister Isaac Asiamah says an audit committee at the ministry is looking into the contract.

He was speaking to Joy News at the Flagstaff House Wednesday when he led a delegation from GHALCA and National Sports Authority (NSA) to present the president’s cup to the Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

“We have inaugurated our audit committee and we have tasked them to look into all these matters and report to me so that when I meet the Public Accounts Committee I can speak to it,” he said.

He said he has also asked the committee to get all those involved in the “financial indiscipline” reported so an action is taken against them.

Regarding timelines, Mr Asiamah explained, “as a standing committee from every ministry, their job is to continue working” and also as a professional body they need their independence to work.

“Their mandate is to go over all audit reports, queries and outstanding audit issues so I can get a report and furnish Parliament,” he told Joy News' Latif Iddrisu.

Panathinaikos ordered to pay Michael Essien €419,000 as compensation

Greek giants Panathinaikos have been ordered to pay Michael Essien a staggering € 419,000 as compensation to bring an end to the litigation between the two sides, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively reveal.

Ghana's leading football website, GHANAsoccernet.com revealed last week that the Finance Dispute Resolution chamber of the Greek Football Federation will rule on the long-winding legal tussle this week.

The former Chelsea star was demanding in excess of €651,000 severance package for the wrongful termination of his contract in September last year.
But the Ghanaian received less money after dragging the Greens to the FA for failure to honour an agreed payment plan.

"The Primary Committee for resolving Economic Disputes of EPO during last meeting took the following decision (315/2017) regarding the appeal of football player Michael Essien against Panathinaikos FC," the verdict read
"Judge are adversarial. Accepts, by majority vote, partly the appeal. Rejects what was deemed rejected.

Obliges the Prof ' to pay the applicant the sum total of four hundred and eighteen thousand and seventy five euro (418,975), with statutory interest on arrears from the 23/12/2016, date of filing of the appeal until full repayment.

Essien is currently on the books of Indonesian side Persib Bandung.

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah to start Waris and Accam in Mexico came

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah will name the lethal duo of David Accam and Abdul Majeed Waris in the game against Mexico.

Accam is red on form and will be given the opportunity show the technical team what he has got when they come up against Mexico.

Abdul Majeed Waris is yet to score for Ghana in two years but Kwesi Appiah loves his work ethics and will give him the starting slot ahead of captain of the team Asamoah Gyan.

The Black Stars are in the United States where they will come up against the States after playing the Mexican in Houston.

Cricket U-19 team chase World Cup glory

The national U19 cricket team will emplane to Kenya for the 2018 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup qualifiers.

Ghana will slug it out with Botswana, Uganda and host nation Kenya for the sole ticket to represent Africa at the cricket world cup to be staged in New Zealand next year.

Ghana made this giant step to compete in the one week tournament which runs from July 1-8 when they won gold in the ICC Africa Division two without tasting a defeat in Benoni last year.

A contingent of 14 players, a coach and a management member will land in Nairobi days before the 4 nation tournament bats off next month.

The team should have been in Nairobi for a 2 week acclimatization and high performance training ahead of the tournament but efforts were thwarted due to financial difficulty facing the Ghana Cricket Association and the Ministry of Youth & Sports.

With few days to embark on the trip, the GCA is still hopeful the Ministry will release funds for their participation fee and other commitments after their budget for the tournament was approved.

Sports Ministry accused of sole sourcing $525,000 AFCON 2017 hosting bid

It has emerged that the Ministry of Youth and Sports entered into a contract to pay US$ 525,000 as consultancy fee for the preparation of Ghana's bid documents for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

Out of this amount $68,000 has been paid leaving a balance of $456, 263.56 to be paid.

These are contained in the Annual Report of the Auditor-General on the Public Accounts of Ghana-Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for the year ended 31 December 2015.

In the end, Ghana failed in its bid to host the tournament.

According to the Auditor General's Report, RICS Consult belonging to Mr Rex Danquah was sole sourced for the preparation of the document.

The report stated that the sole sourcing such a contract was in violation of Section 40 of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) which requires procurement entities to seek approval from the Public Procurement Authority before they engage in single source procurement.

According to the report, it was observed that the Ministry engaged RICS Consult Limited through single source selection to prepare documentation to bid and host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2017 without prior approval from the Public Procurement Authority.

The Auditor General's report said the Ministry could not also provide them with the contract documents awarding RICS Consult Limited the consulting services.

Let’s keep the Olympic spirit alive – GOC President

The President of the Ghana Olympic Committee Ben Nunoo Mensah has urged Ghanaians to cultivate the habit of living healthy lifestyles and pledged his full support for the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Addressing participants of the walk to celebrate the Olympic Day Run at the Tennis Courts of the Accra Sports Stadium, he revealed that last year, 4 million people all over the world took part in the Run and for this year the theme of the celebration is “Move, Learn and Discover” which offers an opportunity to learn about the Olympic values of “Excellence, Friendship and Respect”.

He hinted that the Olympic Day Run Celebrations started way back in 1948 to honor the founder of the modern Olympic Movement, Baron Pierre Coubarton from France.

“Sports units the nation, the power of sports brings Ghanaians together whenever the national football team is playing, so we must get serious with sporting activities” he said.

According to the GOC President, lifestyles must change as kids consume junk food and watch video games without burning calories in the advent of the information age and technological advancement.

He emphasised that sports gives individuals strong mind, good physical body and will power as well as create avenues for friendship.

“Physical activity and sports can solve problems of inactivity” he expressed.

Ben Nunoo Mensah emphasized that sports have helped many people in deprived areas to become famous.

“The Ghana Education Service (GES) must incorporate the Olympic Day into the school curricula to keep students healthy and physically fit” he suggested.

He commended all participants including the Deputy Minister of Health, Director of the National Sports Authority, Keep Fit Clubs that took part and the committee that organized the Run from Martyrs of Uganda Church at Mamprobi to the Accra Sports Stadium.

The GOC President also thanked Rush Energy Drinks from Trillium Ghana for sponsoring the very successful event despite a downpour that kept the participants energized.

Ghana-born Rachel Yankey wants more female coaches in top managerial roles

Ghana-born and England great Rachel Yankey has challenged men's football clubs to move with the times and let outstanding female coaches prove themselves in top jobs.

Yankey, whose father is from Ghana, retired from the game last year and is now working towards earning a UEFA A coaching licence.

The 129-cap former England winger, who is expecting her first child, is concerned women stand little chance of landing high-profile posts unless they bring with them pre-established lofty reputations.

"There's some fantastic female coaches at a high level," Yankee said. "But if you spoke to those coaches they'd tell you it wasn't an easy process.

They were already recognised players moving on into coaching. They were in the game, knowing the right people, but for people now that are perhaps not in the game but have the love of coaching, it's quite a difficult and expensive process to get involved in."

The 37-year-old cited former England boss Hope Powell and Shelley Kerr, the former Arsenal manager who will become Scotland boss after this summer's European Championship, as having enjoyed successful playing careers before moving to the touchline.

But female coaches are scarce in the men's professional game, and even prime jobs in women's football often go to men with England manager Mark Sampson and Manchester City Women's boss Nick Cushing two notable examples.

UEFA licences do not come cheaply, and they might be perceived as a waste of money to women if they fail to generate chances to build a career.

"People are perhaps put off because of the lack of job opportunities," Yankey said.

"If we can have more jobs available where women are applying and getting job interviews and then getting jobs, whether they're as the manager of the team or whether they're assistant or at academy level, or first-team level... it's still an environment where the coaching team is diverse and has women within it.

"You should be able to go for any job. Whether you get that job - the best coach should get it - you should feel confident enough that you've passed the same course as somebody else.

"I think it will help the male game at academy, at senior level, to have a more diverse coaching team available to the players. Female coaches can bring something to the game perhaps different to male coaches."

GHPL Wrap: Hearts silence Elmina Sharks, Tema Youth shock Aduana Stars

Ahmed Toure and Latif Salifu scored for Bechem United and Medeama respectively as the two teams drew 1-1 at the Agyemang Badu Park.

Ashanti Gold maintained their quest to escape relegation by thumping Inter-Allies 3-0 at the Obuasi Lane Clay Stadium. Hans Kwofie scored twice for the miners with Daniel Gozar getting the other.

League leaders WAFA settled for a goalless stalemate with Bolga All Stars at the Tamale Utrecht Academy park.

Michael Ampofo’s 41st minute goal for Liberty was enough to hand them a 1-0 away win over struggling Great Olympics at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Nicholas Gyan’s 54th minute strike for Ebusua Dwarfs was cancelled by a goal from Berekum Chelsea’s Stephen Sarfo as the game ended 1-1 at the Golden City Park.

Accra Hearts of Oak were dominant at the Ndoum Stadium as they defeated Elmina Sharks 2-0, thanks to goals from ever impressive Thomas Abbey and striker Kwame Kizito.

Aduana Stars quest for the League title suffered a big blow after they lost 0-1 away to Tema Youth at the Tema Park, defender Theophilus Ogoe scored the only goal for Tema Youth who move up to 10th on the League table.

Kotoko defeated defending Champions WA All Stars 2-1 at the Babayara Sports Stadium on Saturday.

FULL RESULTS

Bechem 1-1 Medeama

AshGold 3-0 Inter-Allies

Bolga All Stars 0-0 Aduana Stars

Gt. Olympics 0-1 Liberty

B.Chelsea 1-1 Dwarfs

Elmina Sharks 0-2 Hearts

Tema Youth 1-0 Aduana Stars

Kotoko 2-1 WA All Stars

6 Nigerian rapists busted

Six Nigerians are in the grips of the Nungua police for allegedly luring a Muslim lady into their room, forcing her to eat soaked gari to break her fast, after which she was sexually assaulted.

The victim (name withheld) who is 21 years, was reportedly lured by the suspects to their apartment for her supposedly Eid Mubarak gift when the incident occurred.

The suspects are Steven Johnson Chimaroke, the alleged leader of the gang; Ike Amechi; Anthony Emmanuel; Godfred Alex; Kayode Ayodele and Opious Ouner.

Leader of a police patrol team that went to the rescue of the victim, disclosed that the lady was badly treated by her attackers.

Narrating her ordeal to the police after her rescue, the victim said she met Chimaroke on Facebook and became friends with him months ago.

“After letting him know that she is a Muslim, he invited me to his house on Sunday, June 25, 2017 to come for my Sallah gift.”

She said, she got to the house of Chimaroke that Sunday morning and found the others, living in the same house, with him.

“They first of all seized one of my mobile phones and smashed it on the ground,” she narrated.

The victim said the suspects then dragged her to one of the rooms, prepared gari and sugar and forced her to eat it, after which Chimaroke jumped on her and raped her.

“While he had unprotected sex with me, the other five stood by shouting, cheering him up and urging him in the broken English language to continue,” the victim narrated.

After satisfying himself, the victim said, the six told her that her ordeal was a revenge for the maltreatment Ghanaians meted out to their brother who visited Ghana some months ago.

She said, after saying this, the suspects then locked her up in the room and left.

According to her, another mobile phone was hidden in her dress and so she immediately called her brothers to come to her rescue.

The Accra Regional Police Operations Director, Chief Superintendent Kwesi Ofori, told the media that the police apprehended the six suspects that Sunday and they were in the custody assisting in investigation.

The operations officer said brothers of the victim reported the matter at the station and so personnel from the Alpha Swat Team of the Accra Regional Police Command and the Lake Side Police Command invaded the premises to rescue the victim.

During the operation, the police found the bowl of soaked gari which the victim was given as her meal for the day by her kidnappers.

Chinese fishermen to be chased out

Chinese engaged in light fishing in Ghana will soon be arrested and dealt with according to law, Nene Sorsey Quarshie, Chief Fisherman at Prampram and a member of the Fishing Task Force, has revealed.

According to him, the task force is at the moment cracking down on Ghanaian fishermen engaged in the illegal practice, following which foreign nationals guilty of such act will be dealt with.

Speaking in an interview with Chief Jerry Forson on Ghana Yensom on Accra100.5FM on Tuesday June 27, Mr Quarshie indicated that the decision to clamp down on light fishing is to protect the sea and its habitats.

He said: “At the moment we have several Ghanaians who are engaged in light fishing which is illegal, and so the task force is dealing with the Ghanaians now.

“When we are done with the Ghanaians then we will focus our attention on the Chinese who are also engaged in same act.

“We cannot deal with foreign nationals at a time our own people are violating the law. That is why it seems we are quiet on the Chinese, not that we are being discriminatory.”

Drivers of Ghanaian MPs underpaid; receiving GH¢200 as monthly salary

Drivers of the country’s lawmakers are receiving as low as GH¢200 as their monthly salary according to some of them.

One of them who spoke on Accra-based Okay Fm on grounds of strict anonymity revealed that he has been driving a Member of Parliament (MP) since 2013 but has been receiving GH¢400 which has not received any upward adjustment.

“I have been receiving this amount since 2013. I have dependents and pay school fees as well as catering for the upkeep of my family. They have comprehensively insured their vehicles but they refused to take proper care of us. Even to pay our Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) is a big problem.

According to him, he and other drivers are demanding an increase in their salaries.

He said have they been compelled to make the issue public because their salaries have not seen any improvement for almost ten years even though MPs have had several salary adjustments within the same period.

“In this day Ghana, collecting a salary of GH¢200.00, GH¢ 300.00 and GH¢ 400 a month is very bad. What are we going to do with that [money]? That is what we are saying. We are not fighting with them. We are begging them that they should increase the salaries for us,” he pleaded.

A group calling itself Youth Alliance Movement has waded into the issue and petitioned the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and SSNIT to summon the leadership of parliament over the matter.

Tweneboah Koduah who leads the advocacy group, threatened to drag the matter to the Supreme Court if these two bodies fail to act within the stipulated period.

Dr Amoako Baah challenges Supreme Court ruling on Gitmo 2

Political Science Lecturer with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr. Richard Amoako Baah has challenged the ruling of the Supreme Court on the two ex-Guantanamo Bay detainees for the treaty to either be sent back to parliament for ratification or government deports them.

“All that Supreme Court has to do is to look at that law and say you cannot do this, therefore, throw them out. It is very simple not to take it back to parliament for approval” he opined.

“The court is looking at the British way of doing things. What kind of law is this and which system do we have “the political social commentator rhetorically asked on the holiday edition of Ultimate FM morning show.

“If you have a written Constitution it is the Supreme Court, not the parliament; therefore the agreement cannot be sent back to parliament for approval” he challenged the ruling of the apex court.

“You can give them a time that within three months they must be out of the country and that will be the end of it but you cannot send them back to parliament to approve it and that is why it is wrong with the whole ruling from my perspective”

According to Dr. Richard Amoako Baah, the order of the Supreme Court is needless since there are existing laws showing terrorists should not be accepted in the country.

“Why do we have to talk more troubles to our existing one in the name of compassion? This is common and we should know that Americans are sophisticated that they use us in protecting these terrorists”?

A seven-member Supreme Court panel presided over by Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo by six to one (6 -1) majority decision said the two in the country are illegal since the then government allowed them into the country without prior approval by Parliament.

Margaret Bamful and Henry Nana Boakye last year sued the Attorney General and Minister of Justice as well as the Minister of Interior, accusing government of illegally bringing in the two former Gitmo detainees, without recourse to the laws of the land.

Members of the NDC are daring the current government to deport them as it has always asked since the ruling has now gone in their favour. ???

Kroos: record-breaking season

He beat his previous bests for assists and goals as a madridista.

Toni Kroos has had a season to remember. In a historic year, in which Real Madrid won the league and Champions League double, the German played a starring role in the middle of the field, having his most complete campaign. He beat his assists (14) and goals (4) record since his arrival at the Whites and is also the player who played the most minutes (4,169).

Kroos was the most used football player for Zidane, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo (4,126 minutes), Ramos (3,988) and Marcelo (3,878). He played 48 games, in which he gave 14 assists to six different teammates: Ramos (6), Pepe (2), Varane (2), Benzema (2), Cristiano (1) and Morata (1). His best season in this respect, betting his previous highest from 2014/15 (12) and 2015/16 (8).

Scoring record
The midfielder also contributed in attack with goals. Scoring four this season - three in the league and one in the Champions League – bettering the 2014/15 (1) and 2015/16 (2) campaigns.

Rooney could stay at Manchester United - Ryan Giggs

Wayne Rooney could remain at Manchester United next season if he accepts a reduced role, according to club great and former assistant Ryan Giggs.

Despite wearing the captain's armband and becoming United's all-time leading goalscorer, Rooney seems poised to leave Old Trafford after struggling to feature on a regular basis in 2016-17.

Rooney only started 15 Premier League matches and scored five goals last term — a situation linking the 31-year-old with moves to Everton and the Chinese Super League — but Giggs believes his former team-mate could stay in Manchester.

"Wayne is a proven goalscorer, give him a chance Wayne will score," Giggs told Sky Sports News.

"It is whether he can put up with not being first choice or whether he can develop his game which I had to around the same age, not being certain to play every game, but playing 25-30 games and contributing.

"If Wayne can do that then I don't see why he can't still be at the club."

Rooney, who is out of the England fold, has already claimed he has "lots of offers" from England and abroad as United manager Jose Mourinho reportedly closes in on a deal to sign Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata.

Suarez wants Arsenal's Bellerin at Barcelona

Spanish midfielder Denis Suarez said he hopes Hector Bellerin leaves Arsenal to return to Barcelona.

Bellerin progressed through Barcelona's youth system before moving to Premier League side Arsenal in 2011.

The 22-year-old Spain international full-back has been linked with a return to La Liga giants Barca, despite signing a six-year contract extension in November, and Suarez is ready to welcome him back with open arms.

"The people want the best at Barcelona and I hope Bellerin can come," Suarez — who is playing alongside Bellerin at the Under-21 European Championships — told Radio Marca.

"The players of a top level are welcome."

Contracted to Arsenal until 2023, Bellerin made 33 Premier League appearances last season as the Londoners finished fifth.

Suarez's future at Camp Nou has also been speculated amid links with Serie A side Napoli.

But Suarez said via Cadena Ser: "I will continue next year at Barca, yes."

I am not a bad guy - El Hadji Diouf

El Hadji Diouf is a hero in Senegal. Everywhere he goes, he is mobbed by fans both young and old. His countrymen are still grateful for the stellar role he played during the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

But in England, he is remembered more for his controversial antics than for his football talent.

It is a trait that followed him in the English league clubs he played for - from Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers to Bolton Wanderers, with a spell for Rangers in Scotland as well.

Diouf was aggressive, spat at opponents and confronted match officials as well as opponents.

But now in his retirement, he is telling his story.

"I am a lion, I am a bad loser and it's not wrong to be a bad loser," said Diouf of his often combative mood during his playing days.

"I have got character and I want people to respect me."

Diouf, who has moved back to the Senegalese capital Dakar, says he was often misunderstood during his playing days in England.

He said: "I am an easy target. It's easy to talk about El Hadji Diouf and I let them talk but I know in my heart I am a good guy. My family know, my population knows, my continent knows I am a good guy and that's the best thing. The rest is not my problem."

Despite this defence, Diouf admits he has done some bad things.

When asked why, for example, he used to spit at opponents, he said: "Maybe they used to tell me something I didn't want to hear. I did that, I paid and now it's finished."

'Gerrard never did anything for his country'

The Senegalese legend had a drawn-out row with former Liverpool team-mates such as Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard.

Steven Gerrard and Diouf were Liverpool team-mates from 2002 to 2004

Even today, Diouf and Gerrard continue their feud through the media. So what exactly is the problem?

"I have no problem with him," Diouf said. "He [Gerrard] is a strong character and I am a strong character.

"'Stevie G' was a very good player. People like him in Liverpool but he never did anything for his country. I am Mr El Hadji Diouf, Mr Senegal but he is Mr Liverpool and Senegal is bigger than Liverpool and he has to know that."

Diouf is working in Senegal as a government goodwill ambassador. He is President Macky Sall's adviser on sport as well as running his own sports newspaper business in Dakar - and is often mobbed by young people when he visits his gym in the city.

"My life is about sport but the government cannot do everything alone, they need help from people like me," Diouf said.

"The president believes in me and that's why when I finished playing football, he called me and told me he wants me to help because the young generation believe in me. I am an example to them."

President Macky Sall employs Diouf as a sports adviser

Asked if he would consider a role in politics, Diouf said he was concentrating on helping to develop his country - but could not rule out entering politics in future.

He said: "I am interested because we have to make things change. People like me can make things change.

"We have a country to build, a continent to build and why not be involved in politics tomorrow?"

'We put Senegal on the world map'

The 2002 World Cup gave El Hadj Diouf (centre) his greatest sense of achievement

Twice presented with the African Footballer of the Year award by the Confederation of African football (Caf), Diouf was part of the Senegal side which reached the last eight at the 2002 World Cup, beating defending champions France along the way.

He describes that period as the greatest achievement of his career - putting it on a par with Diego Maradona's World Cup-winning achievements with Argentina.

"We put Senegal on the world map," he said. "Before the World Cup nobody knew Senegal, but after the World Cup everybody wanted to know where Senegal was.

"What Maradona did for his country is what I did for Senegal. I was one of the biggest men at the 2002 World Cup.

"We were colonised by France. Most of the businesses are run by French people here and to beat them was a big thing for us.

"Before the game, they used to say, 'The reserve team is going to play against the first team' - because most of the players used to play in the French league.

"I used to be at Lens, Salif Diao [was at Sedan], Khalilou Fadiga [was at Auxerre], most of the players played in the French league but we used to say: 'Be careful before you kill the lion.'"

Diouf says he would like to do more to help develop football on the African continent, but feels structural changes need to take place.

"Fifa has changed and now it's time for African football federations to change too," he said.

This is the first in this week's Where Are They Now? series by Stanley Kwenda, looking at what some of Africa's ex-football stars are doing after hanging up their boots. He will also speak to Salif Diao, Peter Ndlovu, Benni McCarthy and Nwankwo Kanu.

West Ham eyes Arsenal duo Giroud and Walcott

West Ham want to sign both Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott from Arsenal, and are continuing to work on a deal for Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, Goal understands.

The Hammers are embarking on an aggressive summer of recruitment, and are concentrating their efforts on reinforcing their forward line as Slaven Bilic seeks more firepower.

Goal reported over a week ago that West Ham had opened talks with Giroud's representatives over a possible deal for the France international, whom they value at around £20 million.

Giroud would then be offered a base wage of £100,000-per-week, over the course of a four-year contract.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Alexandre Lacazette, and West Ham believe that the Gunners will acquiesce to Giroud’s sale if they are able to secure the Lyon striker.

A move for Walcott has also been discussed within the London Stadium, but Goal understands that a deal is unlikely, with the winger valued at over £30m.

Iheanacho appears a more attainable target. The Manchester City striker completed 90 minutes just once in the Premier League last season, and remains firmly behind Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus in the club’s pecking order.

Nevertheless, he scored four goals and provided three assists in 20 games and West Ham hope to convince City to let the 20-year-old leave on a permanent deal.

ClaretandHugh, the West Ham news website, has reported that the Irons are wary of allowing City to insert a minimal buy-back clause into any deal, turning the transfer into a “glorified loan”.

Instead, the club want City to have to pay 50 per cent above any transfer fee they receive from West Ham, in order to secure Iheanacho’s return further down the line.

Jose Mourinho loses dad

Felix Mourinho, father of Manchester United boss Jose, has passed away aged 79, former club Belenenses have confirmed.

He spent a lengthy playing career as a goalkeeper, even turning out once for Portugal, and thereafter he spent two decades in the dugout, during which time he would ask his son to compile the scouting reports that ultimately led to Jose being recognised as one of the world’s top coaches.

Mourinho responded to his father’s death by posting a picture of the two together on his Instagram account that went without comment.

The funeral is expected to take place in Setubal at 11:00 on Tuesday.

I’ve never slept with Obaapa Christy – Brother Sammy

The Nation’s Worshipper, Brother Sammy has said he has never slept with Obaapa Christy like reports on several platforms have said.

According to him, people making those allegations are just ignorant people because Obaapa Christy is his sister and he cannot and will not on any occasion think of sleeping with her.

He said Obaapa Christy is his advisor and he will not on any day think of sleeping with her.

When asked if he will sleep with her when she gives herself to him Brother Sammy said “It will not even happen.She will not give herself to me and i am also not ready to sleep with her because she is my everything.”

He indicated that he has gone through several tribulations but indicated that any problem he faces means he is going to achieve something big.

“I don’t care when my problems arise because when people talk about me, it means God is going to do something big in my life. Anytime they talk about me, it means I am going to get a new car.