Ex-Hearts of Oak Official Slams Political Influence in Black Stars’ Decline
Abdul Aziz Haruna Futa, a former Hearts of Oak management member and NPP Nasara Coordinator, has condemned the growing political interference in Ghana’s Black Stars, calling it detrimental to the team’s performance.
Speaking on Happy FM, Futa expressed concern over how politics has infiltrated the team’s management and technical operations. “It is wrong to conflate football with politics, especially regarding the Black Stars,” he said. “There’s a lot of politics within the Black Stars management team and even in the technical team.”
His remarks come amidst claims of division within the squad. Ernest Thompson, a former Black Stars management committee member, has also alleged that political factors influence coach selection and team dynamics, often leading to favoritism and external pressures during key tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and World Cup qualifiers.
These controversies may have contributed to the Black Stars’ recent struggles. Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON marks the first time in 21 years the nation will miss the prestigious tournament.
Futa’s comments highlight the urgent need for reforms to ensure the Black Stars can focus on football, free from external interference. The call for change echoes among fans and experts who hope to see Ghana reclaim its status as a football powerhouse.