Ghanaian sports journalist Collins Atta Poku has revealed Daniel Amartey’s notable absence from the Black Stars.
In a revelation on Sompa FM, Mr. Poku said President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo gifted the playing bodies $3,000 each ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
However, the players received $2,800 each after the Ghana Football Association (GFA) deducted $200 from the amount, leaving to a fiery reaction from Amartey.
Here are the key points from the incident involving Daniel Amartey and the GFA as revealed by the journalist:
1. Deduction of Players’ Bonuses
- President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo gifted each player $3,000 ahead of the 2023 AFCON. However, the players only received $2,800 each after the GFA deducted $200 from the amount without prior consultation with the players.
2. Amartey’s Dissatisfaction
- Daniel Amartey, dissatisfied with the unexplained deduction, questioned the GFA’s decision. He argued that the FA had no right to deduct money without consulting the players first.
3. The Genesis of the Conflict
- Atta Poku narrated, “When the President met the team at Golden Tulip, he gave them money to share. The players were to receive $3,000 each, but they got $2,800 instead. Then Amartey went to ask, ‘Why have you given us $2,800?’ That is the genesis of Amartey’s problems at the Black Stars.”
4. GFA’s Explanation
- The GFA explained that the deducted amount was meant for the technical team, who were also part of the delegation. Amartey, however, opposed this decision, stating that the players should have been consulted and that the players had their own plans for the money.
5. Tensions Resurfaced Over Coach Dismissal Meeting
- The issue was reportedly resolved, but tensions resurfaced when Amartey refused to attend a meeting to discuss the dismissal of head coach Chris Hughton following Ghana’s poor performance at the AFCON. The captains’ group was expected to back the decision to fire the coach, but Amartey declined to participate.
6. Exclusion from the Team
- Atta Poku claimed that GFA President Kurt Okraku made the decision to exclude Amartey from the team after these incidents. “They tried getting Mark Addo (Black Stars management committee chairman) to stop Amartey from playing for the Black Stars. It was Kurt’s sole decision to kick out Amartey from the Black Stars.”
7. Limited Playtime at AFCON 2023
- Daniel Amartey featured for only 18 minutes at the 2023 AFCON, coming on in the 72nd minute to replace Antoine Semenyo in the final group stage game against Mozambique.
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