FA dismisses conspiracy claims

The Ghana Football Association has denied reports that it plans to carry out independent tests on three injured players of the senior national team to verify their conditions.

Ghana have injury worries ahead of the start of next year's African Cup of Nations in Angola as captain Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien and John Mensah are facing a race against time to be fit for the Black Stars' opening game at the CAN against Togo on January 11 in Cabinda.

Some media reports and commentary has rather claimed a conspiracy by the clubs of the three players in order to retain their services for their league ambitions while others cast doubts over the commitment of the three players.

But the FA says the patriotism of the three players are not in doubt as it hands its backing to the injured players.

“We aware of their (players) patriotism and have no cause to doubt their injuries. Our medical team will collaborate with their clubs to keep track on their progress.

“The Ghana Football Association does not believe there's any conspiracy on the part of any of the injured players or their clubs to invent an injury. They are professionals who have a sense of credibility.

“It's a difficult time for them and all they need is our support and that of the entire nation. We wish them a speedy recovery. Once they recover, the country stands to benefit from their availability,” Executive Committee member of the GFA and spokesperson, Randy Abbey told www.ghanafa.org.

The FA spokesperson also stressed the need for reports which tend to accuse the sport body and players of complicity in such circumstances to cease.

“Such conspiracy theories only tend to injure the reputation of people. The FA is committed to sending out a team which will always play to win. Players of such quality are always needed to play for the nation.”