Ziese Threatens Ghana

"Ben Koufie is a gentleman, but...." -Ziese Burkhard Ziese has threatened to report the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to Fifa if problems surrounding his recent dismissal are not resolved within 30 days. The German was sacked as Black Stars coach on 13 August after failing to take the team to next year's Nations Cup finals in Tunisia.

But Ziese told BBC Sport website that contrary to the GFA's stance, he was not sacked but asked only 'to go on leave'.

He declared: "I'm in Accra and will remain here until all matters surrounding my contract are amicably settled.

"I expect our dispute to be resolved within 30 days, failing which I will take up the matter with Fifa."

Ziese said he hoped ongoing talks with the GFA would help prevent an escalation of the dispute.

"There's a meeting between myself, the GFA and the minister of state, Rashid Bawa, who has been playing the role of mediator in this dispute."

"I'm happy with the mediator's understanding of the issues and I'm confident that we'll resolve things amicably."

The German coach said he has no problems with GFA chairman Ben Koufie but was critical of people advising him.

"As far as I'm concerned, Ben Koufie is a gentleman but there are others who're interfering with the progress of Ghanaian football.

"They give the type of advice that suits their own interests and not what is in the best interest of football in Ghana."