Black Stars: I think Carlos Queiroz is gone - Ibrahim Sannie Darra

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director Ibrahim Sannie Daara has cast doubt over Carlos Queiroz's future as Black Stars head coach, insisting Ghana may not be able to afford to retain the veteran Portuguese tactician.

Queiroz was appointed in April to replace Otto Addo ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and guided the Black Stars to the Round of 32, where they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia.

Speculation over the 73-year-old's future intensified after he released a statement thanking the Ghana Football Association, his players and Ghanaian supporters following the tournament.

"To my president and board, thank you so much for the opportunity to serve the Ghana national football team," Queiroz said.

"It was an honour and privilege to serve the country and the Black Stars. To my players and staff, my deepest gratitude for your courage, commitment and unwavering dedication to the team. To the fans, we cannot claim complete sporting satisfaction, but we can proudly say that we honoured the colours of Ghana and restored respect and credibility to the Black Stars on football's greatest stage."

Although officials have since clarified that Queiroz has not resigned, Sannie Daara believes the coach's farewell message indicates his tenure with the Black Stars is coming to an end.

Speaking to Citi Sports, the CAF Senior Media Officer suggested the financial burden of retaining Queiroz and his technical team could prove too much for the Ghana Football Association.

“I think he’s gone. His statement is clear. He’s saying goodbye. I think it’s clear. He was poached for the World Cup. Will we be able to pay him? His salary is 150,000 dollars. Will we be able to afford him? And he’s bringing a large backroom staff. Will we be able to pay him? I don’t think so,” Daara said.

Despite the growing speculation, the GFA has not officially announced any change to Queiroz's position, leaving his future with the national team uncertain.

While Ghana's World Cup campaign ended in the Round of 32, the Black Stars showed signs of progress by reaching the knockout stage for the first time since the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

Attention will now shift to preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as Ghana looks to build on the improvements made under Queiroz and return to competing for major honours.