Arrest individuals involved in 2026 World Cup visa scandal, says Nana Fitz

Fitzgerald Barkers Woode

Experienced football administrator Fitzgerald Barkers Woode has called for the immediate arrest of individuals implicated in the alleged visa scandal surrounding Ghana’s arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

The controversy emerged after the US Embassy reportedly flagged several visa applicants linked to the National Sports Authority (NSA) over alleged discrepancies in their identities and employment details.

The development led to the suspension of NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah and intensified calls for accountability over the arrangements.

Barkers Woode has urged the government to establish a committee to investigate the allegations, identify those responsible and ensure they face the appropriate sanctions.

He believes decisive action is needed to establish the facts and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Beyond the visa controversy, the veteran administrator has called for the dissolution of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the introduction of a new legal framework to reform football administration.

He has argued that the government should be prepared to face possible sanctions from world football governing body FIFA if that is the price of restructuring the country's football system.

“The government must write to FIFA to explain to them that we want to dissolve the current FA for reforms in the football sector, and this is the only way we can save our football because what is happening now is pathetic,” Barkers Woode told Graphic Sports.

His comments come amid renewed debate over government involvement in football administration and the GFA's accountability, particularly when public funds are used to support the national team.

Barkers Woode questioned FIFA's position on financial accountability, arguing that taxpayers should have a say in how public money allocated to football is managed.

“Is FIFA aware that the taxpayer pays the FA and the Black Stars, but they don’t want accountability? This is not fair. I call this taxation without representation,” he said.

The visa controversy has also attracted political attention, with the Minority in Parliament calling for the dismissal of Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams.

Meanwhile, Tribe Culture Fest chief executive Nana Boateng Gyimah has denied any involvement in the alleged scandal.

The calls for arrests and sweeping reforms add to the pressure on football authorities and government officials as questions remain over the visa applications and the management of arrangements linked to Ghana's participation in the 2026 World Cup.