I had nothing to do with Otto Addo’s dismissal – Winfried Schafer

Former Black Stars technical director Winfried Schafer has dismissed suggestions that he influenced the decision to dismiss Otto Addo, insisting he had no involvement in the coach’s departure.

Addo, 50, was relieved of his duties in March following consecutive friendly defeats to Austria and Germany. He has since been replaced by Carlos Queiroz ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking publicly for the first time since leaving his role with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the 76-year-old German made clear that the decision to part ways with Addo was taken independently of his position.

"I had absolutely nothing to do with Otto's dismissal. That wouldn't have been within my remit as Technical Director," Schafer told Transfermarkt.

Schafer was appointed in 2025 as technical director and advisor, tasked with supporting Addo and the national team’s sporting structure after Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

He stressed that his working relationship with Addo was built on close cooperation and shared objectives aimed at stabilising the Black Stars setup.

"On the contrary, we worked very closely together. I joined the team in 2025 to support Otto, as well as the sporting management and the president of the federation, with my experience," he explained.

During his tenure, Ghana recorded an encouraging run of form in World Cup qualifying, winning five and drawing one of six matches to secure a place at the tournament in North America.

Schafer said the decision to dismiss Addo came as a surprise, noting he had expected the coach to lead the team into the World Cup.

He also revealed that his own spell with the Black Stars ended shortly after the coaching change, when a new technical direction was introduced.

Despite the abrupt exit, Schafer maintained there is no resentment towards the GFA, describing his time with the national team as a positive experience.

"It's a shame when it ends so abruptly because I really enjoyed working with the guys. But sometimes that's how it is, and you can't change it now," he said.