Ade Coker Blames Handlers of Black Stars For Rift In Camp

Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress, Ade Coker has joined the citizenry to express his repulsion and embarrassment at the turn of events in the Black Stars camp. According to him, the brouhaha in the camp does not augur well for the World Cup tournament and may mar the fortunes of the Black Stars. Speaking to host Kwami Sefa Kayi on "Kokrokoo" on Peace FM, the former Vice Chairman of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Hon. Ade Coker blamed the "handlers" of the players for the conflict between them and the players over their appearance fees. The players and officials have been squabbling over the appearance fee promise by the Sports Ministry as they progressed to the FIFA 2014 World Cup. Prior to the Stars' last Group G match against Portugal, the players threatened to boycott the game if the officials fail to meet their demands. Sources say the players are demanding $100000 as appearance fee but the officials have insisted to offer $ 75,000 per head. The decision by the officials heightened the tension in the camp and key players like Sulley Muntari, Kevin Prince Boateng and Andre Dede Ayew are said to be leading a crusade to either be paid in full or the officials will face their wrath. Meanwhile, President John Mahama has assured the players of the government's quick response to defray the cost. Addressing the issue on "Kokrokoo", Ade Coker emphatically called for heads to roll, hence holding the Sports authorities responsible for the impasse. He asked for President John Mahama to be left off the hook because he did his bid by assigning officials with oversight responsibilities to ensure the payment of the money to the players. “He went out. He made sure that everything that the team wants was provided. Those who were entrusted to do the job; they have let him down.” He blamed the Sports Ministry and the Football Association for failing to pay up the arrears. “Those that have been entrusted with the destiny of the team into their hands, they haven’t shown leadership…The President has entrusted responsibility into the hands of certain people. We should hold them responsible for anything. We have to hold them responsible for bringing his administration into disrepute." he said.

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana