Asante Kotoko, Hearts of Oak are 'afraid to criticise GFA over relegation fears’, says Alhaji Grusah

King Faisal owner and bankroller Alhaji Karim Grusah says several Ghanaian clubs are afraid to speak out against the Ghana Football Association (GFA) because they fear being relegated.

Grusah claims the fear of victimisation and intimidation has left some clubs reluctant to challenge what he described as mismanagement of Ghanaian football.

Speaking to Onua FM, he said even two of the country's biggest clubs, Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, were unwilling to openly criticise the GFA because of the potential consequences.

“Even now Kotoko and Hearts of Oak are afraid to speak up because they would be threatened with relegation,” Grusah said.

His comments come at a difficult period for Ghanaian football, with the Ghana Premier League and several national teams facing growing scrutiny over their performances and administration.

The Black Stars' poor start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign has added to the pressure, after consecutive defeats by Ivory Coast and The Gambia left Ghana without a point from their opening two Group C matches.

Grusah has also called on Sports Minister Kofi Adams and the Black Stars Management Committee to resign, while urging the leadership of the GFA to step aside.

He said changes at the top were necessary if Ghana were to revive its chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON.

“Let them resign immediately before we play our next match. I am not a prophet, but if they resign, Ghana will qualify inshallah,” he said.

Grusah also urged Ghanaians to demonstrate against the GFA, while raising concerns about player selection for the national team.

He claimed that players who were not favoured by officials within the football administration could struggle to earn Black Stars call-ups, regardless of their ability.

He also questioned the progress of Ghana's youth national teams under GFA president Kurt Okraku.

“Where are the Under-17, Under-20, and Under-23 national teams since Kurt Okraku became the GFA president?” he asked.

The GFA has faced increasing criticism following Ghana's failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON and the Black Stars' disappointing start to the 2027 qualifying campaign.